Southern California boxer Garcia was charged with vandalism after destroying property worth $400 in his guest room on June 8.
The boxer was charged on Thursday and is set to appear in court on August 7 at the airport courthouse in Los Angeles. The incident began after the fighter got drunk and began destroying properties in his hotel room. On hearing the commotion, the hotel workers called the Beverly Hills police, who sent officers to the hotel.
Getting there, the officers tried their best to de-escalate the situation and ended up arresting the boxer. They released a statement following the boxer’s detainment.
“On June 8, 2024, at approximately 5:15 P.M., the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to 9850 Wilshire Blvd. (Waldorf Astoria) for an ‘intoxicated person’ call for service,” Beverly Hills police said in June. “During the investigation, the intoxicated person was identified as Ryan Garcia. Upon obtaining statements from the hotel management, it was determined that Mr. Garcia was a registered guest of the hotel and had caused damage to a guest room and the hallway of the hotel. Hotel management requested the arrest of Mr. Garcia for property damage.
“Ryan Garcia, a 25-year-old from Porter Ranch, California, was arrested for PC 594(b) (1) – Felony vandalism and transported by the Beverly Hills Fire Department to a local hospital for medical care.”
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon heavily criticized the boxer’s behaviour.
“While we are grateful no injuries were reported in this incident, reckless behaviour that damages property shows a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the safety and peace of our community,” Gascón said. “Our office will work to ensure the responsible individual is held accountable.
The charge against Garcia is a misdemeanour for “vandalism $400 or more in damage or destruction of property” and “it is further alleged that the amount of defacement, damage and destruction was $400 or more.”
The boxer has been under fire since the hotel incident and was recently expelled by the World Boxing Council after he used racial slurs and insulted Muslims. Garcia has since then posted on X to apologise for his behaviour, saying “ I was trolling. I want all the killing to stop. I love everyone. Sorry if I offended you.”
The former WBC interim champion has had a rough couple of months. His win over Devin Haney was overturned due to spiking allegations. He was also stripped of his title after withdrawing from a bout with featherweight champ Javier Fortuna.
Although things may be looking up for him, and he might win his defence, if not, Garcia is looking at a jail sentence and a possible $15000 fine.
His team is managing the situation and has recently come out to release a statement.
“Ryan regrets his recent behaviour at the Waldorf Astoria and the property damage he caused.” Michael Goldstein, attorney to Garcia, said. “He has apologised to hotel personnel and reimbursed them for any damage caused. The past several months have been difficult for Ryan, and he understands that he has reached a crossroads in both his personal life and career. Going forward, he knows the focus must be on his well-being and mental health issues, which have been strained.
“There is no alternative. He apologises to anyone he has offended with his behaviour and words and hopes the investment in his own well-being will demonstrate the sincerity of his apology. With regard to the pending misdemeanour criminal matter, we expect to reach a resolution that recognizes his immediate reimbursement. His personal issues and his lack of past criminal history. Ryan appreciates the love and support that he has received and hopes to remain in your prayers,”
