Arrest Made In Arson Attack On Taxi During Lakers Celebration
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — At least one suspect has been arrested in an arson attack of a taxi cab that took place two years ago outside Staples Center following the Lakers Championship win.
The incident, which was caught on video, sparked a two-year long investigation.
That night ended with Abraham Teferi's livelihood going up in flames.
"I don't know why they chose me. There are a million cars in the front and in the back," Abraham Teferi said.
Now arson officials believe they have one of the individuals responsible.
L.A. City Fire investigators said that a suspect named Darren Cooper was in the crowd that night. Cooper was arrested but the search continued for five others.
The incident was captured on video by news media from the ground and from helicopters when a victory celebration quickly turned into vandalism back in June 2010.
Teferi was in his cab on Flower Street when revelers rallied out of Staples Center. Dozens surrounded him as he told us shortly after the attack.
"They tried to turn over the car and I was scared, I tried to get out, turned to the guy, 'Please don't hit my car.' Then he hit me, you know, just like this," Teferi said while demonstrating a hammer fist strike.
After smashing in windows and jumping on the taxi, the crowd started chanting, "burn it up."
A man was then seen on the video striking a lighter and then he tossing a piece of flaming cloth into the cab. Some celebrated the act, even posing for pictures.
The crowds dispersed before police arrived, but information from spectators over the years led them to Cooper's arrest.
He was charged with arson.
Officials said they hope that the video will eventually lead them to others. They planned to hold a news conference on Wednesday to make an official announcement about the arrest, as well as display images of the five remaining suspects.
