Downtown vandal suspect pleads not guilty

A Simi Valley man pleaded not guilty to several charges in connection with Sunday’s riot in downtown Huntington Beach, according to court records.

Chase Scott Christman, 19, is charged with vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse after the end of the U.S. Open of Surfing on Sunday night, according to court records.

According to a court official, Christman is set to be released on his own recognizance Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Christman could face up to three years in state prison if convicted, the D.A.’s office said.

A pretrial is scheduled for Aug. 7 and a preliminary hearing on Aug. 9, both at the West Justice Center in Westminster, according to a court official.

He is one of seven people accused of being involved with the disturbance.

Huntington Beach police and various outside agencies dealt with a large, uncooperative crowd at the conclusion of the U.S. Open of Surfing.

The crowd vandalized a bike store, city vehicle and multiple newspaper stands.

—Anthony Clark Carpio

Twitter: @acocarpio