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When Orange County-based band Imperial Stars suddenly brought their bus to a halt on the 101 freeway in Hollywood one October afternoon, it didn't result in getting the musical group more any airply, or in raising awareness for homeless children. It just resulted in a really nasty traffic jam. It did, however, result in criminal charges.
Now the three members of the band "will stand trial and face one felony count of conspiracy and misdemeanor counts of public nuisance and false imprisonment," according to the OC Register.
In Los Angeles Superior Court yesterday, Judge Samuel Mayerson found there was sufficient evidence for Christopher Roy Wright, 33, David Paul Hale, 31, and Keith R. Yackey, 32, to stand trial.
For those who have blocked out the incident, a recap: Imperial Stars blocked three lanes of traffic on the 101 Freeway with a bus. The driver fled with the keys, while the band started rocking out on the vehicle's roof. Despite the arrival of personnel from the Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, the band played on, until they were finally stopped and arrested.
Prosecutors did not believe that this was anything but a publicity stunt. Regular citizens were a bit more blunt: "Douche bags get what you deserve. For homeless children my ass," said one Facebook page commenter.
Arraignment has been set for July 14th.
