Nearly Naked Man Climbs L.A. Freeway Sign, Stops Rush Hour Traffic, Does Backflip

The aspiring rapper taunted authorities for two hours before doing backflip off the freeway sign.

An aspiring Los Angeles rapper scaled a freeway sign during rush hour and taunted officers, did strong-man poses, vaped and shouted with a bullhorn before performing a backflip off the structure, authorities said.

He landed on a massive, inflatable pad placed on the southbound lanes of the 110 Freeway by the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities identified him as 29-year-old Alexander Dunn.

He was arrested on charges of delaying a police officer, trespassing on state property and failing to obey a regulatory sign.

Dunn, who performs under the pseudonym Dephfree, scaled the highway sign in the middle of the downtown area at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol. 

Wearing only a pair of black boxers, gym shoes and carrying a bullhorn, the man mocked those below while shouting, "My name is Dephree and I love God."

He also struck strong-man poses as fire trucks extended long ladders to his perch and CHP officers climbed up to remove him. Traffic was halted on the crowded interstate during the peak of morning rush hour in the nation's second-largest city.

One irate motorist yelled to officers on the highway, "Shoot him!" according to one report.

Later in the day, his Twitter page was heavy with photos and videos of his apparent publicity stunt. His manager said a video would be produced from footage of the strange interlude, the Los Angeles Times reported.

 

It was not clear whether Dunn remained in custody or had been released.

He also hung several banners from the sign reading "Give a hoot, don't pollute," and "Fight pollution not each other." Another read "Dephree" in graffiti-style letters.

Witnesses said the man alternated between shouting about love, God and himself. He also did some freestyle rapping and took breaks to vape.

After two hours, officers apparently convinced him to stop. For his last act, he executed a back flip off the sign's ledge, landing on the giant pillow as bystanders cheered.

He was placed on a gurney and appeared to be unhurt. Authorities then whisked him away.

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