An alleged attempt to stage a traffic-stopping music video on one of Los Angeles’ busiest freeways has landed a 32-year-old man in serious legal trouble, with prosecutors calling the stunt “incredibly reckless” and driven by the chase for a viral clip.
Prosecutors say Eduardo Erik Martínez orchestrated a rolling roadblock on the northbound 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles during afternoon rush hour so he could film a music video while cars spun donuts around him. The incident, captured on video, brought traffic to a standstill for miles and sparked outrage from drivers stuck behind the scene.
Martínez has pleaded not guilty to one felony conspiracy count and two counts of felony vandalism. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to four years and four months in jail. His bail is set at $100,000.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Martínez is due back in court on Dec. 11.
How the 110 Freeway “Takeover” Allegedly Happened
Authorities say the freeway stunt unfolded on Nov. 22, 2023, near the 9th Street off-ramp on the northbound side of the 110, a key artery that links the harbor area to downtown and beyond.
Investigators allege that Martínez coordinated with multiple drivers to block several lanes of traffic, forcing cars behind them to stop. Once the rolling barricade was in place, he allegedly stepped into the roadway to record a music video while other vehicles performed donuts around him.
The impromptu takeover snarled traffic for miles, leaving commuters stranded as the spectacle played out.
“This was incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a ‘viral moment’ on social media,” Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement released by his office, stressing that freeway takeovers put innocent drivers at extreme risk.
Separate Vandalism Allegation Inside Criminal Court
The freeway incident isn’t the only trouble Martínez is facing. Prosecutors say he’s also charged with vandalizing a bench inside the Foltz Criminal Justice Center while he was in court on an unrelated matter on Oct. 21, 2024.
That alleged act of vandalism added another felony count to his case and underscores, prosecutors say, a pattern of disrespect for both public property and the legal system itself.
Crackdown on Street Takeovers and Freeway Stunts
The charges against Martínez reflect a broader push by local officials and law enforcement to crack down on street takeovers, sideshow-style driving and freeway stunts that have become increasingly visible on social media.
Events like the alleged 110 Freeway shutdown are often organized online, drawing crowds who gather to watch cars drift, spin and race in spaces never meant to be used as racetracks. The California Highway Patrol and local police agencies have been stepping up enforcement, from seizing vehicles and making arrests to filing criminal charges for exhibition of speed, reckless driving and vandalism.
Prosecutors say that using a major freeway as a film set—especially during rush hour—goes far beyond risky content creation and crosses into criminal conduct that can easily lead to serious injuries or deaths.
What’s Next for the Case
Martínez has pleaded not guilty to all counts. At his next court appearance in December, the judge will review the status of the case, and prosecutors could present additional evidence or negotiate potential resolutions.
If the case goes to trial, jurors will be asked to decide whether Martínez conspired to set up a dangerous freeway stunt for the sake of a viral music video, and whether his alleged actions—both on the road and inside the courthouse—amount to felony vandalism and conspiracy under California law.
For now, the case stands as a high-profile example of how the pursuit of online fame can collide with public safety, and how aggressively Los Angeles authorities say they are prepared to respond.
