U-Haul driver Calor Madanescht arrested after going into crowd during anti-Iranian regime protest in Westwood
The man who drove a U-Haul truck into a crowd of protesters in Westwood , causing the otherwise peaceful anti-Iranian regime demonstration to turn chaotic, was arrested for reckless driving, investigators confirmed Monday.
The driver was identified in booking records as Calor Madanescht, 48.
Video captured the moment he drive into the crown on Veteran Avenue as people screamed and rushed away Sunday afternoon.
Exclusive AIR7 shows officers pulling Madanescht from the truck while protesters surrounded him, attempting to strike him with objects, including flag poles, trash and their hands. One protester can be seen climbing onto the vehicle and kicking in its windshield.
After the driver was removed, protesters chased him and tried to hit him as police escorted him away and took him into custody. Demonstrators also tore political messages from the truck as tensions escalated.
The rally had drawn hundreds of people in solidarity with ongoing protests in Iran. The protests demanding a regime change over the country's failing economy have been met with a violent crackdown. Human rights activists in Iran claim at least 538 people have been killed and more than 10,000 people have been detained after 15 days of demonstrations.
Sean Zarrabi, who recorded video of police leading the driver away in handcuffs, said, "People are getting their voice out, and this person comes through the crowd and tries to kill people."
Investigators have not said whether Madanescht's actions were politically motivated but they confirmed the individual was arrested.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said: "We are aware of this incident. FBI is on scene with LAPD to determine the motive of the driver. This is an active investigation and we will update the public when we have more information."
Police said one protester received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Los Angeles police eventually issued a dispersal order, and the crowd quickly began to shrink.
After the chaos settled, the U-Haul was seen stopped in the area, surrounded by shattered glass, debris and crime scene tape.
