A Studio City man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a federal charge alleging the use of fireworks shot from an in-flight helicopter at a Lamborghini while filming a video posted on YouTube last July 4.
Suk Min Choi, 24, known as “Alex Choi,” was arraigned on one count of causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A tentative trial date of Aug. 13 was scheduled before U.S. District Judge André Birotte Jr. in downtown Los Angeles.
Choi is free on a $50,000 bond. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, last July 4, Choi – – a social media “influencer” — posted on his YouTube channel an 11- minute video titled, “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks.”
A man was arrested for allegedly directing a video in which two women in a helicopter shot fireworks at a Lamborghini at El Mirage Dry Lake in San Bernardino County.
In the video, Choi allegedly presses a “fire missiles” button while two women are in a helicopter, shooting fireworks at the speeding sports car. Law enforcement personnel believe the stunt was shot on federal land in the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in San Bernardino County.