L.A. Man Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Pouring Lighter Fluid on Burning CHP Vehicle During Anti-ICE Riot in DTLA

LOS ANGELES – An illegal alien from Mexico living in the Lincoln Heights area of Los Angeles was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for pouring two bottles of lighter fluid onto a burning California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle and throwing an electric scooter over a freeway overpass near officers during an anti‑immigration law enforcement riot in a downtown Los Angeles last year. Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $253,415 in restitution. Flores pleaded guilty on April 27 to one count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement officers during a civil disorder. “Violent attacks on law enforcement will result in federal prison time,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Those who escalate chaos and endanger officers will be held accountable. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the men and women sworn to keep our communities safe.” According to his plea agreement, during the evening of June 8, 2025, a Flores, participated in a riot on the Main Street overpass of U.S. Highway 101 when law enforcement officers were trapped below the overpass as protesters threw rocks, chunks of concrete, scooters, street signs, fireworks, and lighted debris at them. Flores poured lighter fluid from a plastic water bottle onto a burning CHP vehicle, causing the flames to intensify. He then pointed and directed another individual who lit a liquid substance on fire and poured the flaming liquid onto the same CHP vehicle. Immediately afterward, Flores poured lighter fluid from a second bottle onto the burning vehicle. Minutes later, Flores, along with another individual, threw an electric scooter over the overpass railing near CHP vehicles and officers below. Flores admitted in his plea agreement that he knew the officers were under the freeway overpass. He further admitted that he knew that throwing objects and burning debris created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the officers. The FBI, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department, investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jenna W. Long and Lana Morton Owens of the National Security Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Sebastian Bellm of the General Crimes Section, prosecuted this case.