Video: LAPD arrests man who used makeshift flamethrower during Roe v. Wade protests

LAPD arrest man for using spray-can 'flamethrower' during protest

The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a man for using a makeshift flamethrower during a downtown abortion rights protest.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore expressed dismay Tuesday at a man's use of a spray-paint can and lighter to fashion a makeshift flamethrower during a downtown abortion-rights march, calling it a disturbing elevation of attacks on police officers.

"That is a very troubling development and one that we'll watch closely," Moore told the city's Police Commission on Tuesday. "And I look to the (District Attorney's) Office ... for their help and support in the full prosecution of this individual who was involved in this terrible attack on officers."

Michael Ortiz, 30, was booked on suspicion of attempted murder following his arrest during Friday night's protest, which began as a rally against the U.S. Supreme Court's decision striking down federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade.

Moore said Ortiz was carrying five cans of spray paint, suggesting a plan to repeatedly use the makeshift weapon.

"He was not there for any lawful protest or demonstration regarding the Supreme Court's decision," Moore told the commission.

Moore, who said an officer suffered slight burn injuries on his hands from the suspect's use of the flamethrower, again lamented "the infusion of a small disruptive group into an otherwise largely peaceful and law-abiding group."

Protests continue in downtown LA after Roe v Wade ruling

Demonstrators took to the streets of Los Angeles for the fourth straight day Monday to protest the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"We're asking all the organizers and those who are present during these demonstrations to work with us and not allow those type of individuals to coexist (with peaceful protesters)," he said.

Moore said "fringe or extreme groups or individuals" will take advantage of peaceful gatherings to "create chaos and turmoil."

Overall, he said protests that erupted following Friday's court decision have been largely peaceful, with the exception of people marching onto freeways Friday evening and some clashes involving the flamethrower and pyrotechnics.

He said five officers were injured during the protests, including the officer burned by the flamethrower. Another officer was injured by people setting off pyrotechnics, and one officer was struck by a large rock thrown from the crowd, Moore said.

According to Moore, there were a total of six rounds of less-than-lethal munitions fired by officers during the protests, all on Friday night. One was fired at the suspect wielding the flamethrower, with others fired at a person throwing a bottle containing an unknown liquid toward officers, one trying to take an officer's baton and one at a person throwing a pyrotechnic device.

The chief also said there were various instances of officers pushing protesters back from skirmish lines or using a baton to hold the lines.

He acknowledged complaints about members of the media being denied access to closed areas and force being used against reporters. Moore said all such instances are being investigated internally.