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The violent protester who allegedly brandished a fake weapon to federal agents is employed by Uber Eats and the State of California, according to his court-appointed attorney.

Peter Escalante Hernandez, covered in tattoos and wearing a black t-shirt emblazoned with the word “Family” appeared in a federal courtroom Tuesday. Hernandez’s court-appointed attorney, Jaya Gupta, revealed her client was working as a driver for Uber Eats and part-time for Caltrans.

Despite Gupta’s claim, Caltrans said Hernandez is not a direct employee. “The individual named is not a Caltrans employee. He worked for a vendor through the Butte County Office of Education that hires part-time highway litter abatement crews around the state,” Caltrans said in a statement.

Hernandez sat in shackles while Gupta argued for his release after he was arrested for allegedly throwing bottles at federal agents and brandishing a fake weapon when they chased him down. 


  Hernandez is a driver for Uber Eats according to a Federal Attorney.
 Hernandez is a driver for Uber Eats according to a Federal Attorney.

  The fake gun Hernandez was carrying when he was arrested for throwing bottles at Federal officers.
 The fake gun Hernandez was carrying when he was arrested for throwing bottles at Federal officers.

Prosecutors claimed Hernandez has been busted for 8 misdemeanors in the past 9 months.

Uber says on its website a background check is required to work as an Uber Eats driver.

“Certain criminal convictions may result in disqualification regardless of when they occurred. Pending charges may also be disqualifying, unless and until they are resolved in your favor,” the website says.

Caltrans is a California government run entity that manages more than 50,000 miles of the state’s highway and freeway lanes. 

“Prior conviction of a misdemeanor or felony does not limit your ability to apply or work for Caltrans. This information does not need to be disclosed at any time during the hiring process,” their website says.

Requests for comment from The California Post went unanswered by Uber Eats.


  The convicted felon also works Caltrans, a government run entity Sundry Photography – stock.adobe.com The convicted felon also works Caltrans, a government run entity Sundry Photography – stock.adobe.com


  Hernandez and his face tatoos.
 Hernandez and his face tatoos.

The father of 4 minor children under the age 7 was ordered to remain behind bars by Federal Judge Mircheff who deemed him as “someone who doesn’t follow instructions” and said “he presents a danger.”

Gupta had argued Hernandez “has first amendment rights to protest.”

Before the Judge rendered a decision Hernandez appeared to be praying and looking up towards the sky. His arraignment is slated for March 3rd.

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