A YouTuber was arrested yesterday, June 5, due to a dangerous stunt that involved shooting fireworks from a helicopter at a Lamborghini car valued at USD 300,000. The incident led to Suk Min Choiknown on the networks as Alex Choito face federal charges that could result in a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Choi, 24, posted the video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks” on his YouTube channel on July 4, 2023, according to statements from the United States Department of Justice. The video, now deleted, showed two women in a helicopter shooting fireworks towards the car as Choi pressed a button labeled “fire missiles”. Authorities believe the recording took place in the El Mirage dry lake in San Bernardino County, Califronia.
Prosecutors detailed that Choi was arrested on Wednesday in California and filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, although still has not been formally prosecuted. The YouTuber, who did not have permits for this recording, was also not authorized to use fireworks in a helicopter, purchasing them in Nevada where they are legal, before transporting them to California, where are prohibited according to the criminal complaint.
He Justice Department mentioned that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also revoked the helicopter pilot’s license for flying below altitudes required by law and not displaying the helicopter’s registration number. The complaint states that Choi created a danger to both people and property by operating the helicopter in a negligent and reckless manner.
The 11-minute video was eventually removed from the influencer’s account. The recording also included behind-the-scenes footage where the YouTuber referred to himself as the director of the filming. In one of the segments, he thanks a camera company for being part of his “crazy and stupid ideas”. Also, at another time, choi is shown holding what appears to be a firework while next to the helicopter.
During a recorded conversation, choi decides to end filming when someone asks if they will make another attempt: “No that’s all. There aren’t any fireworks anymore, are there?“, said.
If convicted, he will face maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. The investigation of the case is being carried out by the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Prosecutor Dominique Caamano, of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, will take care of the cause and the young man continues to wait for his next hearing in the following weeks.
Alex Choi is a popular digital content creator specialized in motorsport and car modifications. She was born on October 25, 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to Los Angeles, United States, where she developed her career in the social networks. His YouTube channel, launched in 2017, has grown rapidly thanks to his videos about exotic cars and its modifications, attracting millions of subscribers.
On his platforms, Alex Choi shares a mix of content including videos of car stunts, tours of his garage and the presentation of his latest vehicle modification projects. Its focus on adrenaline and innovation caught the attention of a young audience passionate about cars and the extreme lifestyle. Despite its success, Choi is often the subject of controversy due to his risky stunts and run-ins with the law for his activities.
In addition to his presence on YouTube, he is active on Instagram, where he also shares updates about his cars and motorsport-related events. With a charismatic personalityAlex became an influential figure in the online motorsports community, inspiring his followers to explore the world of vehicle modifications and car stunts.
