Lawson

Defendants appeal from their conviction for falsely reporting a crime to law enforcement officers. (Pen. Code, § 148.5.) The matter is before us on transfer from the Appellate Department of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. (Rule 62(a), Cal. Rules of Court.)

The incident giving rise to the charges grew out of a labor relations dispute at American Biltrite Corporation (the plant). Defendants were union members who were picketing in front of the plant. James Sylvester, a nonstriking plant employee, was leaving for home after having worked the night shift. He was driving a pickup truck. As Sylvester left the plant premises, his truck and defendant Lawson’s body collided. Sylvester continued on his way. Defendants ran to their own vehicles which were parked nearby and drove off after Sylvester. Robert Johnston, a plant security guard who had observed the incident, called the sheriff’s department.

Deputy Sheriff Hoenshell arrived at the plant some 15 minutes later. By the time he got there, defendants had returned to the location. Hoenshell interviewed defendants. Crawford urged Lawson to make a report to the deputy. The report which Hoenshell took was admitted into…