LOS ANGELES – Today, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested Adam Palermo, 39, of Los Angeles, for assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer during a protest that took place on June 8 in downtown Los Angeles.
On Sunday, June 8, 2025, CHP personnel responded to calls of protesters entering and impeding US-101 in downtown Los Angeles. CHP Special Response Team (SRT) officers immediately responded to the location to clear over 1,000 protesters from traffic lanes.
At this time, an individual, later identified as Adam Palermo, was seen throwing numerous rocks at responding CHP officers and patrol vehicles from an overcrossing. After throwing the rocks, Palermo lit an object on fire and dropped it onto a CHP patrol vehicle. The object landed on the CHP patrol vehicle, causing the patrol vehicle to catch fire. To extinguish the fire, CHP SRT officers had to put themselves in danger from thrown rocks and bottles. After the incident, CHP detectives from the Southern Division Major Crimes Unit were assigned to the case. With assistance from the public, the detectives identified Palermo as the suspect.
This morning, CHP detectives arrested Palermo outside of his residence in Los Angeles for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. After the arrest, detectives searched Palermo’s residence and located evidence of the crime.
“The California Highway Patrol will not tolerate attacks against our officers under any circumstances,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our personnel put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public, and anyone who targets them with violence will be identified, pursued, and held fully accountable under the law.”
“Violent and deliberate attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated in California. Period,” added Governor Gavin Newsom upon being informed about the arrest. “I’m grateful to the state investigators and law enforcement who tracked down this suspect and are continuing to uphold the rule of law.”
This case is still under investigation and once completed, will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration with potential charges to include assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, arson, and vandalism.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
(Photos courtesy of CHP)
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