LOS ANGELES – Three members of an Orange County band were charged by the District Attorney’s Office today with felony conspiracy in connection with a purported publicity stunt that caused a massive traffic jam last month on the Hollywood Freeway.
“This was not a matter involving free speech or lawful protest,” said District Attorney Steve Cooley in a written statement. “This was a well-orchestrated commercial stunt perpetrated by these defendants and their accomplices with no concern for the lives or well-being of thousands of innocent victims who were caught up in the prank.
“I hope this filing sends a strong message of deterrence,” Cooley said. “This type of dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.”
The complaint alleges one felony count of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance against three named band members and 50 John and Jane Does. It also charges the defendants with one misdemeanor count each of public nuisance and false imprisonment, and two misdemeanor counts of resisting, obstructing or delaying Los Angeles police and California Highway Patrol officers.
The huge traffic jam on the Hollywood Freeway occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Oct. 12. A large truck sporting an advertisement for the band blocked all but one lane of the southbound freeway at Sunset Boulevard. The driver reportedly fled with the keys to the vehicle while the band launched into a concert atop the truck. The defendants also filmed the event, the complaint alleged.
Band members Christopher Roy Wright, 32 (dob 4-27-1978); David Paul Hale, 30 (dob 2-15-1980); and Keith R. Yackey, 32 (dob 11-20-1978), were arrested and freed on $20,000 bail each. They are expected to appear in Superior Court Department 30 in December for arraignment. An exact date has not been set.
The driver will be charged as a co-conspirator when identified.
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