Watch CBS News

Armed Man In Wheelchair Arrested After Protesters Scuffle With Police In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – A man in a wheelchair carrying a loaded handgun was one of three men arrested after a group of protesters confronted Los Angeles police officers in downtown L.A. Tuesday afternoon who were attempting to handle an unrelated mental health crisis.

The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Mario Chacon, 33-year-old Joshua Wilson and 52-year-old David Dixon.

According to police, at around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, officers had been called to a mental health situation involving two women in the area of Figueroa Street and Wilshire Boulevard when they witnessed Dixon attacking a man.

Officers arrested Dixon and learned that he was wanted on a felony warrant for assault with a deadly weapon.

Then, as officers were preparing to take the two women to a hospital, they were surrounded by a group of about 50 protesters who had been marching in the area, police said. The protesters began chanting "let them go."

Armed Man In Wheelchair Arrested After Protesters Scuffle With Police In Downtown LA
A loaded handgun recovered by Los Angeles police after a man in a wheelchair was arrested by Los Angeles police officers during a confrontation with protesters in downtown L.A. July 14, 2020. (LAPD)

One of the protesters, who was in a wheelchair, later identified as Wilson, tried to punch an officer, police said. A second protester, identified as Chacon, tried to steal one officer's baton and shove a second officer.

Chacon and Wilson were eventually detained and taken to the downtown police station, along with Dixon. Officers later discovered a loaded handgun in Wilson's backpack.

Three officers and a sergeant suffered minor injuries during the scuffle.

Wilson was arrested on charges of being an ex-con with a firearm, while Chacon was arrested on charges of battery on a police officer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.