South LA man shot by immigration agent granted release from federal custody – NBC Los Angeles

Editors’ note: The previous version of the story said Parias was released from federal custory.

A man who was shot by an immigrant agent in South Los Angeles last week after allegedly trying to strike officials with his car, was granted to be released from federal custody but remained in the downtown Los Angeles jail Friday.

Carlitos Ricardo Parias, who goes by Richard LA on TikTok to film ICE activity in his community, was ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian to be released on $15,000 bail in a downtown LA courtroom after being charged with assault on a federal officer.

Even if Parias is released, authorities would be able to track Parias’ locations, and he would be prohibited from driving. 

Parias’ attorney told NBC Los Angeles that he and his client did not decide whether to leave the LA County jail as of Friday.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at around 8:50 a.m., immigration agents were trying to detain Parias, who authorities said is undocumented, and use three cars to box in Parias in his car. Refusing to get out of the car, Parias instead began driving his car back and forth, hitting two of the federal vehicles, according to the Justice Department (DOJ).

When the altercation escalated to a point that “large plumes of smoke” were coming out of Pariass’ tires from driving aggressively, a federal agent opened fire, striking Parias in the elbow, according to the DOJ.  A ricochet bullet also hit a deputy U.S. Marshal in the hand, officials said. 

“Fearing for the safety of the public and law enforcement, our officers followed their training and fired defensive shots,” McLaughlin had said shortly after the shooting.

Parias’ attorney and family members disputed the federal officials’ account, saying the 44-year-old father is a “pacifist guy.”

“He’s very calm, very respectful, and a lot of the police officers know him. They know that he’s very respectful. In fact, the city of Los Angeles has awarded him for the work he does in the community, so we find it very odd what’s being said about him,” Carlos Jurados, attorney for Parias, said last week.

Parias had been previously honored for his work on social media by Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price Jr.’s office as Parias was called a “pillar” of the South LA community and “fearless citizen journalist.”  

“His unfiltered portrayal of real life has fostered a loyal following, both on TikTok and throughout our city. Richard LA exemplifies what it means to serve your community with courage and heart,” said Price’s office.