Crime & Safety

Facebook Leads to HB Riot Arrest

An Anaheim man is arrested after he presses "like" on a photo posted on the Huntington Beach Police Department's Facebook page.

By City News Service

A proud graffiti artist, who allegedly tagged a
police car during the riot in Huntington Beach last month, clicked "like"
button on the police department's Facebook page, triggering his arrest, police
said Saturday.

Huntington Beach police took to Facebook to trumpet the arrest of Luis
Enrique Rodriguez, 18, of Anaheim.

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Rodriguez, "apparently proud of his actions, 'liked' the Huntington
Beach Police Department's picture #15 and shared it with his friends, which was
noticed by numerous fans on our Facebook page and a series of tips led to his
identification," police posted.

Three people have now been arrested in connection with the July 28
riots, in which thousands of people gathered in the streets following the Vans
U.S. Open of Surfing. Businesses were looted, windows were shattered, and
portable toilets were upended.

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Rodriguez was arrested Friday for vandalism after a police investigation
reportedly showed him spraying an obscene sexual exhortation against "the
pigs" on the sides of police cars at the scene of the July 28 riots in
Huntington Beach.

Also, a 17-year-old West Covina boy turned himself in Tuesday after
Huntington Beach police detectives contacted his family.

"Our investigation shows him damaging the portable toilets and
attempting to tip over a public works trucks," according to a statement posted
Saturday on the Huntington Beach Police Department's Facebook page. "He was
arrested and released to his parents for charges of felony vandalism, inciting
a riot and refusing to disperse when ordered."

Huntington Beach resident Anthony Abadier, 20, was arrested at his home
on Aug. 11, according to police. Abadier reportedly used his skateboard to
smash newspaper stands.

He was booked  for felony vandalism, participating in an unlawful
assembly and refusing to disperse when ordered.

"Many investigations are still actively being pursued, arrests warrants
being obtained, and more arrests are pending in the near future. The
Huntington Beach Police Department remains committed to identifying and
arresting anyone engaged in unlawful behavior occurring during this incident.

"We greatly appreciate all the assistance members of the public have
provided," according to the statement posted Saturday on the department's
Facebook page.

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