US Surf Open riot: Arrests made through social media

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- With the help of the public and social media, police have made two additional arrests in connection to the Huntington Beach riots after the U.S. Open of Surfing.

The first suspect identified through social media appeared in court Thursday. The public helped police identify 18-year-old Illario Niko Johnson from Chino as one of the participants who was setting fires on Main Street.

Detectives arrested Johnson Wednesday for felony arson, inciting a riot, participating in an unlawful assembly and refusing to disperse when ordered. He was booked at the Huntington Beach City Jail and is being held on $20,000 bail.

Police said Thursday that they were able to make a second arrest with the help of the public. They identified a 15-year-old boy as one of the suspects seen throwing glass bottles at officers on Main Street and tipping over portable restrooms.

The teenager was arrested for assault on a peace officer, felony vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse when ordered. His name was not released due to his age.

At least seven other people have been arrested for their role in Sunday's riots, including an off-duty Fullerton firefighter, Michael John Lytle, who is now on paid administrative leave.

Huntington Beach Police Chief Kenneth Small says it took about two hours for nearly 300 police officers and personnel from other area departments to break up fights during the riots. Several police cars, city vehicles and businesses were also damaged during the riot.

Chase Scott Christman, 19, of Simi Valley, was also arrested Sunday and booked on vandalism, destruction of property, refuse to disperse and unlawful assembly charges. He pleaded not guilty to the charges Tuesday.

Other arrests include Joseph Monterrosa, 28, of Ontario; Andres Gomez, 24, of Huntington Beach; Michael Anthony Avila, 28, of Santa Ana; Adam A. Cecot, 18, of Irvine; and Kyle Roger Crott, 18, of Riverside.

Police say the search for the suspect who used a stop sign to smash a window at Easyrider Bike Shop continues.

Anyone with information about the disturbance is urged to called the Huntington Beach Police Department's hotline at (714) 375-5066, or email hbpdfiles@gmail.com.

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