Man Arrested with ARP5 Assault Rifle in June Pleads Not Guilty

Man Arrested with ARP5 Assault Rifle in June Pleads Not Guilty

by Contributing Editor

Arraignment was postponed Wednesday to Oct. 8 for a Gardena man who was arrested in downtown Los Angeles in June while allegedly carrying an assault rifle and handgun that he said he planned to use to protect a friend’s business during a police protest.

Gregory Wong, 31, was charged Monday with a felony count of possession of an ARP5 assault weapon.

About 1:30 a.m. on June 2, a National Guard member alerted police after spotting a man dressed in combat attire that resembled a National Guard uniform near the intersection of First Street and Main streets, where protesters had gathered, according to authorities.

When questioned by officers, Wong allegedly said he was headed downtown to provide security for a friend’s establishment.

“While investigators are still looking into the incident, at this time it does not appear that Mr. Wong intended to harm anyone,” LAPD Officer Drake Madison said shortly after Wong’s arrest.

Wong was released on $50,000 bond the following day, jail records show.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces up to three years in jail, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

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All credit goes to Contributing Editor
Originally published on https://mynewsla.com