Hyde Park vigil for motorcyclist turns chaotic as LAPD responds to large crowd

Vigil, street takeover leads to police response

Several LAPD cars were reportedly damaged after a vigil and street takeover turned violent in South LA.

LOS ANGELES - A vigil held in memory of a motorcyclist killed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend turned violent Monday night in South Los Angeles. Police said a crowd of 40 to 60 people blocked a busy intersection, prompting a call for backup after officers came under attack. Several LAPD vehicles were damaged in the chaos, though no arrests or injuries have been reported.

What we know:

Dozens of people gathered at the intersection of Crenshaw and Hyde Park boulevards in Hyde Park to remember Kenny Hall, a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The group of 40 to 60 people had gathered in the area with cars and motorcycles parked in the roadway. Officials say the group appeared to be preparing for a street takeover.

Dozens gathered in Hyde Park to remember the life of Kenny Hall.

As the sun went down and officers arrived, the crowd became unruly and tensions flared. People reportedly began throwing bottles at police officers as they tried to disperse the crowd. Backup was requested, and a skirmish line was formed as the situation escalated.

At least eight LAPD vehicles had their tires punctured, forcing some officers to wait for replacement vehicles while the damaged units were towed.

Eventually, the crowd dispersed.

LAPD officials confirmed that no officers were injured, and no arrests had been made as of Tuesday morning.

Remembering Kenny Hall

What they're saying:

Friends and family who attended the vigil said tension began rising once officers showed up.

"We came together, all the community came…we all came out here to celebrate his life and then all of a sudden, the police just came out of nowhere," a man who identified himself as "Specc" told FOX 11. "There was no fighting, it was just all love out here."

"He was a well-loved guy in this community. Not just this community, but he was a member of a motorcycle chapter. So, that's the motorcycle life," said Hall's friend, who identified as "Big Cat."

In addition to being a motorcycle enthusiast, his family said he was a security ambassador for Metro.

What we don't know:

While reports noted punctured tires on several patrol cars, the LAPD has not officially confirmed the extent of the damage. It also remains unclear whether any citations were issued or whether the department plans to pursue charges.