H.B. police make first arrest based off social media

Huntington Beach police on Wednesday arrested another suspect linked to the disturbance downtown after the U.S. Open of Surfing, according to a news release.

Illario Niko Johnson, 18, of Chino, was arrested and booked into Huntington Beach City Jail on suspicion of arson, inciting a riot, participating in an unlawful assembly and refusing to disperse when ordered, according to authorities.

Lt. Mitch O’Brien said Johnson resides in Chino but lived in West Covina to play football at his high school during his senior year. Other news outlets have reported that Johnson is a West Covina resident.

Prosecutors are requesting to set his bail at $20,000, according to a statement by the Orange County district attorney’s office. The suspect could face up to three years in state prison if convicted.

Johnson is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at the West Justice Center in Westminster, according to the D.A.’s office.

Johnson is the first suspect to be identified off social media, said Huntington Beach Police Lt. Mitch O’Brien.

He set a box of catalogs on fire Sunday, according to the D.A.’s office.

Reports earlier in the week said eight people were arrested during the disturbance, but only seven names were released Monday. Police have yet to explain the discrepancy.

Chase Scott Christman, 19, of Simi Valley, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse. He could face up to three years in state prison.

Another suspect, Michael John Lytle, 30, of Anaheim, was later identified to be a Fullerton firefighter and placed on leave, as reported by the Orange County Register. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Andres Gomez, 24, of Huntington Beach, was arrested on suspicion of refusing to disperse and resisting arrest. Michael Anthony Avila, 28, of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of resisting or delaying a police officer. Joseph Monterrosa, 28, of Ontario, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Adam A. Cecot, 18, of Irvine, was arrested on suspicion of refusing to disperse/unlawful assembly. Kyle Roger Crott, 18, of Riverside, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and resisting arrest.

About 250 officers were called to handle a crowd of uncooperative attendees when the U.S. Open ended.