Police arrested a San Marino, California man Wednesday on firearms charges after he allegedly drove into a crowd of peaceful protesters, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The U.S. State Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California stated that Benjamin Jong Ren Hung, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to transport firearms across state lines and to make a false statement in acquisition of firearms.
Hung reportedly stockpiled illegally purchased firearms in his family’s vineyard in Lodi, which he had turned into a training camp to “prepare to engage in civil disorders,” according to Lodi News.
Hung was first arrested by Pasadena police on May 31 after being accused of intentionally driving his truck into a crowd of about 150 peaceful protesters in Old Town Pasadena. No injuries were reported, and Hung has not faced charges for attempted assault.
However, while searching Hung’s truck following the incident, officers found a loaded semiautomatic handgun and multiple magazines loaded with ammunition.
Prosecutors say Hung acquired the gun from a friend who bought it for him in Oregon and conspired to transport the gun to California. Hung’s friend allegedly falsely stated that he was the transferee of the gun, rather than Hung.
Hung is accused of illegally purchasing and transporting at least three other firearms. He also allegedly acquired more firearms and tactical equipment from other suppliers to transport to his “training camp” in Lodi.
Hung has been detained pending a bail hearing on Monday. His arraignment is scheduled for October 15.
If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
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