SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today of throwing an object that damaged a patrol vehicle and inciting a group of protesters to riot at a Donald Trump presidential campaign rally in the City of Costa Mesa. Luis Fernando Alarcon, 20, Anaheim, pleaded guilty today to one misdemeanor count of vandalism with damage over $400 and one misdemeanor count of inciting a riot. The court reduced the felony vandalism charge to a misdemeanor. Alarcon was sentenced to one year in county jail suspended, 12 days in county jail, three years of informal probation, and was ordered to pay restitution.

On the night of April 28, 2016, a crowd protesting against the then-presidential candidate was blocking the street as the group moved south toward State Route 55. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was dispatched to Fair Drive and State Route 55. A CHP officer activated their vehicle lights and sirens and was able to gain access to the ramp. The crowd cleared to the east and west sidewalks of Newport Boulevard. Another CHP officer who also responded observed the defendant in the crowd. Alarcon ran toward the second CHP officer's vehicle, coming within 12 to 15 feet of the CHP officer's patrol car, and yelled “F*** the police!” at the officer through the vehicle's open window. The defendant again yelled as he reached into his pocket, took out an object, and hurled the object at the CHP officer's patrol vehicle. The CHP officer heard a thud and observed an object that looked like a rock or roof tile fall to the ground. As a result, the vehicle sustained damages over $500.

Alarcon immediately turned around and went back into the crowd. The defendant was not taken into custody at that time due to the immediate need to close the ramp. The defendant continued to protest and obstruct traffic. Alarcon remained in front of the crowd of protesters and yelled toward the CHP officers, inciting the crowd of protesters while rocks were thrown at the CHP officers from within the crowd.

Alarcon was subsequently arrested by CHP, who investigated this case.

Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Kirk of the Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted this case.

Orange County District Attorney / Case # 16WF0899 / February 17, 2017