Following another mass shooting in Colorado, now is not the time to display an assault-type rifle as you stand on a freeway overpass in military fatigues.

But that's what authorities said two men did last night near Cheseboro Road and the 101 freeway in Agoura Hills.

The California Highway Patrol received 911 calls from at least 10 people who felt threatened by “two men standing on the overpass of the 101 freeway with a rifle,” according to Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Lt. A.J. Rotella.

The calls, relayed to sheriff's deputies who patrol Agoura Hills, expressed fear that “the pair intended to cause harm,” the lieutenant said.

The cavalry was called. Multiple CHP and sheriff's units responded, Rotella said. A sheriff's helicopter crew ordered the pair to surrender with all hands up.

During all this, the 101 was shut down “in an effort to ensure the safety of the public,” the lieutenant said.

The two turned out to be film school students with a fake assault-type rifle, a handgun prop, a gas mask, military garb and cameras, sheriff's officials said. “Both were cooperative and stated that they were filming for a school project,” Rotella said.

That didn't stop cops from arresting the duo, however. 


Suspects, whose identities were not revealed, were booked on suspicion of multiple allegations, including displaying a replica firearm and causing a false emergency, sheriff's officials said.

“While the intentions of these two individuals might have been harmless,” said sheriff's Capt. Patrick S. Davoren, “the fact that anyone would appear in a public place displaying a replica firearm is troubling. These two men put themselves and our community at risk. This does reflect the fast actions of our community in notifying law enforcement and reminds everyone that if they see something, they should say something.”

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.