Man Takes U-Haul Through Westwood Protest, Arrested at the Scene
Driver Arrested After U-Haul Incident at Iranian Protest in Westwood
A man driving a U-Haul box truck through a group of demonstrators in Westwood on Sunday has been arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Calor Madanescht, 48, faced law enforcement following the incident, which occurred in a neighborhood known for having the largest Iranian community outside of Iran. The protest was held near the Federal Building at Veteran Avenue and Ohio Avenue, where demonstrators had gathered to show support for the Iranian people.
Witnesses reported that as the truck entered the area, protesters scrambled to avoid it, which led to a confrontation between the driver and the crowd. The truck, emblazoned with messages opposing the protesters’ views, continued down the street as people dodged out of the way. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
LAPD officials stated that officers directed the driver to turn around as he approached a large gathering of protesters. "The demonstrators tore the signs off the truck and attacked the driver, who drove toward a group of LAPD officers. Individuals from the crowd jumped out of the truck’s path of travel to avoid being struck," the release noted. Officers quickly formed a skirmish line between the vehicle and the demonstrators, successfully taking the driver into custody.
Following the incident, the truck was found with shattered windows and side mirrors, several blocks away, surrounded by police vehicles. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the truck but reported no significant findings.
Protesters attempted to remove a sign from the truck, which read, "No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah." This references historical events in Iran, including the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Shah and the 1953 coup that ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.
As tensions eased, police issued a dispersal order, and by 5 p.m., most demonstrators had left the area.
The incident highlights ongoing unrest in Iran, where activists claim that more than 530 people have died as a result of a crackdown on nationwide protests. These demonstrations, which began in December over the devaluation of the Iranian currency, have evolved into widespread calls challenging the country’s theocratic regime. Recent protests have again surged in Tehran and other cities, reflecting ongoing discontent amid severe economic strains exacerbated by international sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program.
