Sunset Beach Man Denies Charges of Inciting Huntington Beach Riot

A 20-year-old Sunset Beach man accused of taking part in the melee that followed the end of the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of vandalism and inciting a riot.

Eliyahu Reuven Jackson surrendered to Huntington Beach police on Wednesday and was booked into the city jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. He was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment on two felony counts of vandalism causing $400 damage or more and one misdemeanor count each of inciting a riot, refusal to disperse and assault.

Jackson, who is accused of damaging newspaper stands and the city of Huntington Beach's public works trucks, could face nearly four years in prison if convicted, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Illario Niko Johnson, 18, of Chino, pleaded not guilty last Thursday to setting fires on Main Street during the rioting. Johnson is due back in court Friday for a pretrial hearing.

Last week, Huntington Beach police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of throwing glass bottles at police officers on Main Street and tipping over portable restrooms. He was charged in juvenile court with felony vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse and was taken to Orange County Juvenile Hall.

A Fullerton firefighter, Michael John Lytle, was arrested Sunday, but has not been charged. The 30-year-old Anaheim resident was booked on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest and was placed on paid administrative leave from his job.

Chase Scott Christman, 19, of Simi Valley pleaded not guilty last week to felony vandalism and misdemeanor counts of inciting a riot and refusal to disperse. He's due to return to court Wednesday for a pretrial hearing and could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

About 250 officers from Huntington Beach and neighboring law enforcement agencies were brought in to control the mob after the surfing event.

Anyone with more information regarding the names or whereabouts of other suspects was asked to call Sgt. Jerry Abrahams at (714) 536-5649 or (714) 375- 5066, or email investigators at hbpdfiles@gmail.com.    

–City News Service