YouTuber arrested for helicopter and Lamborghini fireworks stunt

AFP |  Los Angeles, United States  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A YouTuber who allegedly directed a helicopter to shoot fireworks at a speeding Lamborghini for a “crazy stupid” video has been arrested in California, US prosecutors said Thursday.

Suk Min Choi, better known as Alex Choi, boasts nearly one million subscribers to his YouTube channel, which promises its viewers “the greatest car shenanigans!”

But the 24-year-old’s fireworks stunt, shot in a dry California lakebed last summer, resulted in Choi being charged with “causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.”

If convicted, Choi could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

In the video titled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks,” Choi allegedly presses a “fire missiles” button while two women are in a helicopter, shooting fireworks at a speeding Lamborghini sportscar.

Behind-the-scenes footage includes Choi allegedly making various references to himself coordinating the shoot, according to the affidavit.

He also thanks a camera company for “being a part of my crazy stupid ideas.” The 11-minute video appears to have been removed from Choi’s YouTube page.

The helicopter was flying near the ground and without filming permits, a Department of Justice press release said.