Man Climbs Hollywood Sign Waving Flag That Reads ‘I'm Back'

LAPD said officers were en route as the man, dressed in all camouflage gear, climbed up and down the sign

A self-described YouTube prankster was arrested Wednesday after climbing the Hollywood Sign and waving a white flag that read, "I'm Back."

The man, identified as Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, was discovered on the letter "D" of the sign at 6 p.m. The Los Angeles Police Department said he had been there for about 20 minutes.

LAPD said officers were en route as the man, dressed in all camouflage gear, climbed up and down the sign and began a slow descent down the rugged hillside. He was eventually detained by park rangers at 6:40 p.m. after climbing down the hill.

LAPD officers arrived and took over the investigation. The "I'm Back" flag was likely a reference to a past visit to Mount Lee. 

"The reason for that, I believe, is that a year ago this individual had been arrested for trespassing on the property," said LAPD Capt. Cory Palka.

Jail records indicate Zdorovetskiy, 24, was released late Wednesday on bond after his arrest on suspicion of trespassing. A court date was scheduled for June 15.

The man was linked to the stunt via a Snapchat video he posted as he climbed the sign.

"I'm all the way up, nothing can stop me now," Zdorovetskiy boasted into the camera from atop the sign. 

The street up to the sign from the Beechwood Canyon area has several signs indicating restricted access to the property. Security personnel are assigned to the area, Palka said. 

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A second man detained at the scene and questioned by officers told NBC4 he was just out for a run and ended up too close to the sign. 

NBC4's Irene Moore and Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report.

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