An El Monte resident wanted for lobbing rocks at federal vehicles amid the LA riots gave himself up at the Mexican border to face assault charges
Alleged rock attacker from the LA riots (Courtesy Bill Essayli, US Attorney for Central District)Los Angeles, California (Times Media Service) – An alleged rock attacker from the LA riots, Elpidio Reyna, surrendered to federal authorities at the San Ysidro port of entry this week to face charges of assaulting a federal officer after a June 7 incident in Paramount, California during the height of the LA riots.
Arrest and Charges
Elpidio Reyna, 39, was taken into custody Wednesday after surrendering at the U.S.–Mexico border to face a felony charge of assault on a federal officer.
He is accused of throwing large rocks at moving Border Patrol vehicles on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount during the anti-ICE protests that swept across Los Angeles in early June amid the LA riots.
Reyna’s assault charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison if he is convicted.
A criminal complaint was filed against Reyna on June 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, following the release of surveillance video and photos identifying him.
Details of the Rock Attack
Video evidence shows Reyna wearing a motorcycle helmet as he picks up concrete blocks and hurls them at passing Border Patrol vehicles during the LA riots.
At least one federal officer sustained injuries when struck by the projectiles, prompting a nationwide manhunt for the suspect.
Federal vehicles were struck repeatedly while driving down Alondra Boulevard on June 7, and officials say the thrown rocks included cobblestone-sized fragments capable of shattering windshields.
Witness footage captured the moment Reyna lobbed rocks at officers inside the vehicles, highlighting the dangerous and reckless nature of the attack during the broader unrest.
Federal Response and Quotes
“To anyone who thinks they can attack federal officers and hide behind a mask or helmet, Reyna’s arrest today proves we can find and charge anyone who violates federal law,” U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said.
Essayli added, “Don’t touch our officers,” underscoring the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting violence against law enforcement amid the LA riots.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that the bureau “will never tolerate violence against those who serve and protect this country,” reaffirming the federal stance on riot-related assaults.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino posted on X, “You may remember Elpidio Reyna… We got him,” celebrating the capture of the alleged rock attacker.
He added, “Those who attack America’s police officers can run but they can’t hide,” signaling continued pursuit of suspects until all are held accountable.
Flight to Mexico and Border Arrest
Following the criminal complaint on June 8, Reyna fled to Mexico’s Sinaloa state to evade prosecution for his role in the LA riots.
Federal agents circulated Reyna’s photo and description across U.S. and Mexican law enforcement networks, eventually locating him in Sinaloa.
He surrendered voluntarily at the San Ysidro port of entry on Wednesday, arriving under escort and immediately taken into federal custody for his involvement in the rock attack.
Reyna’s prompt cooperation at the border offers authorities a chance to streamline his initial court appearance and move forward with the prosecution process.
Impact on Los Angeles Community
The arrest of a key suspect linked to the rock-throwing incident provides a measure of relief for Los Angeles residents still reeling from the LA riots in June.
Local leaders had criticized the scale of violence during the protests, noting the fear instilled in communities like Paramount and surrounding neighborhoods.
Community advocates, while condemning the rock attack, also expressed concerns over heavy-handed law enforcement tactics deployed amid the unrest and called for balanced responses to civil protests.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city must heal from the unrest and work on addressing underlying immigration and policing issues that fueled the riots.
Victims of property damage during the riots welcomed Reyna’s arrest, hoping it deters future attacks on federal and local officers alike.
Janetta Navarro / Our Los Angeles Writer (Times Media Service)
A lifelong resident of Los Angeles with an in-depth understanding of the politics, culture, and lifestyle of America’s second largest city.
jnavarro@timesmediaservice.com
