AGOURA HILLS, Calif. (AP) – Authorities said two college students have been arrested on suspicion of causing a false emergency when they stood over a Southern California freeway wearing military fatigues, a gas mask and carrying replica assault rifles.
The men told Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators they were filming for a school project. However, authorities said their actions over U.S. 101 in Agoura Hills on Sunday led to multiple 911 calls from panicked motorists.
The California Highway Patrol shut down the freeway for at least 10 minutes while deputies from a helicopter ordered the men to surrender.
Sheriff’s officials said the men cooperated an0d handed over the replica weapons, military uniforms, gas mask and cameras.
Capt. Patrick Davoren said that while their intentions may have been harmless, the men put themselves and the community at risk.