A man accused of throwing chunks of concrete at federal law enforcement vehicles during a violent confrontation in Southern California has pleaded guilty, bringing a major development in a case that drew national attention last summer.
Authorities say the incident occurred during a chaotic attack on federal immigration agents in Paramount, California, where a group of protesters surrounded law enforcement vehicles and hurled objects at officers attempting to leave the area.
Federal Vehicles Attacked During Paramount Confrontation
The violence unfolded on June 7 near a Home Depot east of the 710 freeway in Paramount, where federal immigration agents had established a command post.
As agents attempted to depart the area, a crowd gathered and began attacking federal vehicles. Video footage from the scene showed individuals throwing various objects, including chunks of concrete, at government vehicles.
In one particularly alarming moment captured on video, a projectile smashed through the glass of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle, injuring an officer inside.
The incident quickly sparked a nationwide search for one of the most visible attackers caught on camera.
FBI Launches Manhunt For Suspect
Following the attack, federal investigators worked to identify a masked individual who was repeatedly seen throwing large pieces of concrete at law enforcement vehicles.
The FBI placed the suspect on its Most Wanted list and offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the man’s “identification, arrest and conviction.”
Federal officials vowed that the suspect would eventually be brought to justice.
“We will find him. We will charge him. Justice is coming.”
Suspect Identified But Initially Evaded Authorities
Within days, investigators identified the suspect as Elpidio Reyna, a 41-year-old resident of Compton in Los Angeles County.
However, locating him proved difficult after authorities determined that he had fled to Mexico following the incident.
Federal agents continued searching for Reyna until he was eventually apprehended near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino later announced that Reyna had been taken into custody on July 23.
In a twist of irony, the arrest was carried out by a U.S. Border Patrol officer who had been inside one of the damaged vehicles during the June attack.
Guilty Plea Filed In Federal Court
Reyna pleaded guilty Tuesday to one felony count of assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon resulting in bodily injury.
Prosecutors say Reyna assaulted a federal officer “by throwing chunks of concrete at passing government vehicles” during the Paramount riot.
The attack shattered vehicle windows and left one officer with a cut on the forehead.
Authorities say Reyna also ignited objects during the confrontation and interfered with law enforcement operations.
Federal Officials Warn Against Violence
Justice Department officials emphasized the seriousness of the assault and the potential consequences of such attacks on law enforcement.
“This defendant could have easily killed a federal officer or innocent bystander,” Essayli said in a statement. “As he found out the hard way, violence against law enforcement is not constitutionally protected and will be met with swift justice.”
Federal prosecutors say Reyna could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Sentencing Scheduled Later This Year
A sentencing hearing for Reyna is scheduled for Aug. 7 in federal court.
The case remains one of the most high-profile prosecutions tied to last summer’s violent confrontation in Paramount, which left several federal officers injured and multiple government vehicles damaged.
Authorities say the outcome sends a clear signal that assaults on law enforcement officers will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.
