Protester Arrested for Allegedly Spraying Chemical Agent At LAPD Officers

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 34-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly spraying a chemical agent at two LAPD officers who were surrounded by protesters near the Federal Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.

The alleged assault happened Saturday morning near the intersection of Alameda and Commercial streets, where officers were attempting to move debris from the roadway when several protesters surrounded them, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Officers attempted to leave the area to de-escalate. As they entered the vehicle and begin to drive away, a protester reached in and sprayed a chemical agent which nearly caused a traffic collision," the LAPD announced.

Both of the involved officers were able to leave the area safely and call for an ambulance. They were treated and later released, police said.

The suspect was identified as Stephan Lara, but it was unclear if he remained in custody as of Sunday.

The Detention Center has been a target for protesters since last year, when the Trump administration launched a crackdown on illegal immigration in the Los Angeles area and elsewhere across the United States.