This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Darth Vader Watches Man Smash Cop Car At Hollywood Walk Of Fame
A man violently smashed the windows of an LAPD car in the heart of Hollywood's Walk of Fame today. Oh, and Darth Vader was right there watching him.
The suspect (who has not been identified yet) yelled out "I love Jesus Christ!" before using metal construction stakes to hit the patrol car windows a little before 1 p.m. near Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave, according to KTLA, which captured it on video. He then grabbed a laptop inside of the car. What's most interesting (and very Hollywood since superheroes and villains walk up and down the street taking photos with tourists) was that a man dressed as Darth Vader was one of the onlookers in the footage.
Police arrested the suspect immediately. According to LA Weekly, the same man had broken into three other police cars nearby with metal he found from a construction site.
Here's a video of how it went down:
UPDATE 11:25 a.m.: LAPD has identified the man who smashed the windows of a police patrol car yesterday as 27-year-old Leyston Rice, according to City News Service. He is being held on $20,000 bail.
-
Cruise off the highway and hit locally-known spots for some tasty bites.
-
Fentanyl and other drugs fuel record deaths among people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County. From 2019 to 2021, deaths jumped 70% to more than 2,200 in a single year.
-
This fungi isn’t a “fun guy.” Here’s what to do if you spot or suspect mold in your home.
-
Donald Trump was a fading TV presence when the WGA strike put a dent in network schedules.
-
Edward Bronstein died in March 2020 while officers were forcibly taking a blood sample after his detention.
-
A hike can be a beautiful backdrop as you build your connection with someone.