WESTWOOD/STUDIO CITY—Two men were charged after they vandalized the UCLA Bruins bear statue during ‘rivalry week,’ against the USC Trojans causing more than $10,000 in damage the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed on January 10.
Louie Raider Torres, 19, of Studio City and Willie Saul Johnson, 18, of Van Nuys both face one felony count of vandalism over $400 damage. Both were arraigned in court on January 10. The incident transpired on November 13, 2018, where both defendants allegedly painted the bear with red and yellow paint, including the letters “SC” written with red paint on the statue’s mantel, prosecutors indicated. Both suspects were arrested on December 19. Neither Torres or Johnson are students at UCLA or USC.
If convicted as charged, both Torres and Johnson face a possible maximum sentence of 3 years in jail. The UCLA Police Department is still investigating the case. Anyone with information can contact the UCLA Police Department at 310-825-1491.
