Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a 44-year-old TikTok creator, has seen first hand Carlitos influence in his community of South Central Los Angeles. Today, he’s dealing with major criminal ramifications after an armed standoff with federal agents. Parias, who has garnered a significant online following for his “unfiltered portrayal of real life,” was charged with assault on a federal officer after a chaotic incident that left him hospitalized.
Most recently, Parias garnered recognition from the office of Los Angeles City Council member Curren Price. The award’s acknowledgment called him “a pillar of our community.” It honored his achievements as a “fearless citizen journalist,” telling stories that amplify the voices of people who are typically silenced. This impressive public service accomplishment makes an ironic juxtaposition with the serious criminal charges he is currently facing.
On the day of the incident, federal agents pulled Parias over and told him to get out of his car. In retaliation, Parias made a turn with his vehicle such that he collided with at least two other cars. This caused one agent to smash a side window of Parias’ vehicle, though this didn’t stop him. She alleges that, according to news reports, after being hemmed in by agents, Parias tried to ram their cars in an attempt to flee capture.
The incident turned deadly when one of the agents fired their weapon. The bullets pierced Parias’s left elbow and a bullet ricochet injured a deputy U.S. marshal’s hand. After the shooting, Parias was taken to the hospital where she received treatment. He had been due in court Wednesday, but court was delayed because he is still receiving medical care.
If Parias is convicted of assaulting a federal officer, he could face up to eight years in prison. This grave accusation has dire implications. Law enforcement officials emphasized that he was subject to an administrative arrest warrant and had often avoided arrest.
“Vehicles are deadly weapons. Anyone who uses them against federal agents risks arrest, imprisonment and life-threatening injuries.”
As developments unfold in this case, many in the community express concern over the implications of this incident involving a local figure who has previously been celebrated for his contributions. The ongoing lawsuit will determine what Parias did and how he responded during the encounter. They will emphasize that fact by pointing to his former tenure as an honored leader in his hometown.