A Los Angeles man has been charged with several felonies after prosecutors say he arranged for traffic on the northbound 110 Freeway to be blocked so he could film a music video during evening rush hour.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Eduardo Erik Martínez, 32, allegedly coordinated with several drivers to stop their vehicles near the 9th Street offramp on November 22, 2023. Once traffic came to a halt, investigators say Martínez stepped onto the roadway to perform for a music video while other drivers carried out “donut” maneuvers around him.

The obstruction caused traffic to back up for miles along one of the busiest corridors leading into downtown Los Angeles.

Prosecutors charged Martínez with one felony count of conspiracy to commit exhibition of speed and two felony counts of vandalism connected to damage caused during the stunt. He entered a plea of not guilty on Wednesday and is scheduled to return to court on December 11 for the setting of a preliminary hearing date.

If convicted, Martínez faces a maximum possible sentence of four years and four months in county jail. The District Attorney’s Office requested $100,000 bail, citing the public safety risk posed by the takeover.

District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the incident, calling it another example of dangerous social-media-driven behavior on public roadways.
“This was incredibly reckless and done purely for a viral moment,” Hochman said. “Our streets are not a stage, and anyone who attempts to turn them into one will be held accountable.”

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and involves multiple agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. It remains unclear whether officers were able to reach the scene before the group dispersed or how long the freeway remained blocked.

The case echoes other recent traffic-disruption incidents tied to photo and video stunts. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly warned that such acts put motorists at significant risk and can result in criminal charges.