Actor Danny Trejo, known for his tough-guy roles in films like “Machete” and “Spy Kids,” found himself in the middle of a real-life brawl during the Independence Day Parade in Sunland-Tujunga, Los Angeles. The altercation erupted after a parade-goer allegedly threw a water balloon at Trejo’s vintage convertible.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 4th, as the 80-year-old actor was stopped along the parade route in his baby blue Corvette. Video footage obtained by TMZ shows a water balloon being launched at Trejo’s windshield, prompting him to jump out of his car. Dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt and black pants, Trejo attempted to punch the alleged balloon thrower, who was wearing a tank top and a backward hat.
Trejo’s punch missed, and he was pushed to the pavement, escalating the situation into an all-out brawl. As the fight ensued, two small children were pulled away from Trejo’s vehicle. The chaos quickly moved onto the sidewalk, where the alleged balloon thrower threw several punches at another man before being tackled by bystanders.
In the video, Trejo can be seen getting back on his feet, grabbing a green foldable chair, and tossing it into the fray. A woman rushed up behind him, attempting to restrain the actor, while others joined in to help calm the situation. Throughout the melee, parade-goers pleaded for the fighting to stop, especially with children present.
The brawl, which lasted about 30 seconds, was eventually broken up by bystanders. Police reported receiving a call about the fight but noted that the crowd had dispersed by the time officers arrived. No arrests were made.
Trejo later spoke to TMZ, describing the water balloon incident as “childish” and calling those responsible “cowards.” He confirmed that the individuals involved were around 30 years old and assured that he was not hurt during the altercation.
The altercation came just days after Trejo announced the death of his 16-year-old chihuahua, Dixie. Despite his past struggles with drug addiction and time spent in San Quentin State Prison, Trejo has been sober since 1968 and has built a successful decades-long acting career.
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