A weapons charge was filed Monday against a 31-year-old Gardena man who was arrested in downtown Los Angeles while allegedly carrying an assault rifle and handgun that he said he planned to use to protect a friend’s business during police protests.
Gregory Wong is scheduled to be arraigned in a downtown courtroom Tuesday on the felony charge of possession of an ARP5 assault weapon.
About 1:30 a.m. June 2, a National Guard member alerted police after spotting a man dressed in combat attire that resembled a National Guard uniform near the intersection of First Street and Main streets, where protesters had gathered, according to authorities.
When questioned by officers, Wong said he was headed downtown to provide security for a friend’s establishment, according to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman.
“While investigators are still looking into the incident, at this time it does not appear that Mr. Wong intended to harm anyone,” LAPD Officer Drake Madison said shortly after Wong’s arrest.
If convicted as charged, the defendant faces up to three years in jail.
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