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Westwood U-Haul Driver Denies Intent, Says LAPD Waved Him Into Protest

The arrested driver says a police officer directed him into the crowd, a claim now central to an ongoing LAPD review.

Overview

  • LAPD booked 48-year-old Calor Madanescht on suspicion of misdemeanor reckless driving after the Sunday incident in Westwood.
  • Madanescht says he intended to join the rally and was attacked, displaying stitches, bruises and other injuries he attributes to the confrontation.
  • Videos show the truck moving through a dense crowd near the Wilshire Federal Building as protesters surrounded the vehicle and damaged its windshield.
  • At least two people in the crowd were reported injured during the encounter, according to earlier accounts.
  • The truck carried signs reading “No Shah. No Regime. USA: Don’t Repeat 1953. No Mullah,” drawing objections from some pro‑Shah demonstrators as conflicting witness accounts shape the case review.