Man, 28, Charged With Trying To Steal TV News Cameras During Zimmerman Protest
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A 28-year-old man was charged with trying to steal television news cameras during a protest of the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
Shareef Abdullah pleaded not guilty July 18 on charges of attempted grand theft, robbery and making criminal threats in connection to the July 13 demonstration in Los Angeles. He's expected to return to court July 30.
Abdullah allegedly took a $7,000 camera belonging to Telemundo before the cameraman chased him down and got it back.
Later that night, Abdullah is accused of approaching a CBS2 news crew and threatening to shoot a cameraman if he didn't give him the camera.
Abdullah then allegedly fled with the equipment.
The suspect was arrested July 16.
If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
