Takeaways
- A 31-year-old Los Angeles man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly blocking the 110 Freeway to film a music video.
- Authorities say several cars intentionally shut down traffic while drivers performed donuts on the roadway.
- The defendant pleaded not guilty and faces over four years in jail if convicted.
110 Freeway Shutdown for Music Video Leads to Felony Charges
A Los Angeles man accused of orchestrating a dangerous 110 Freeway shutdown to film a music video is now facing several felony charges, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Eduardo Erik Martínez, 31, pleaded not guilty to:
- One felony count of conspiracy to commit exhibition of speed
- Two felony counts of vandalism
Prosecutors allege that Martínez led the freeway takeover during rush hour, putting drivers at risk and causing major traffic disruption.
What Prosecutors Say Happened on the 110 Freeway
The incident occurred on Nov. 22, 2023, when Martínez allegedly coordinated with multiple drivers to block all northbound lanes of the 110 Freeway near the 9th Street off-ramp.
During the blockade, investigators say Martínez filmed a music video while surrounding vehicles performed donuts, creating a dangerous and illegal stunt scene.
District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the behavior, stating:
“This was incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a ‘viral moment’ on social media. If you choose to treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a criminal courtroom.”
Additional Vandalism Charge
In a separate incident, Martínez is also accused of vandalizing a bench inside the courthouse’s Department 40 on Oct. 21, while appearing in court for an unrelated matter. That act resulted in an additional felony vandalism charge.
Potential Penalties and Next Court Date
If convicted on all charges, Martínez faces a maximum sentence of four years and four months in jail.
His bail is set at $100,000, and he is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 11 to set a preliminary hearing date. The case, filed in September, remains under investigation by:
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)
Why This Matters for Content Creators & Performers
This case serves as a reminder to filmmakers, creators, and influencers: filming on public roads without permits is illegal, dangerous, and can lead to serious criminal charges.
For performers and production teams, securing proper permits protects everyone on set — and avoids costly legal consequences.
Project Casting will continue sharing industry updates that help creators stay informed, compliant, and safe during production.
