R.I. woman charged with vandalizing cruiser that later burned
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Police arrested a 21-year-old woman Thursday they say jumped on top of a Providence police cruiser that was later set on fire during the violence in the city early Tuesday morning.
Sarah Taylor, of Warwick, pleaded not guilty to simple assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and vandalism at her arraignment and was released on personal recognizance. All four charges are misdemeanors.
She is not charged with setting the fire that burned the SUV to its frame, Maj. David Lapatin said.
BREAKING: Providence Public Safety Commissioner confirms woman an @NBC10 photojournalist recorded jumping on @ProvidenceRIPD cruiser during riot earlier this week was arrested early this morning. Investigators identify her as Sarah Taylor, 21, from Warwick, RI pic.twitter.com/pzqPIb3rcJ
— Jared Pelletier (@Jaredpelletier_) June 4, 2020
She was referred to the public defender’s office but outside court she told The Providence Journal she got caught up in the energy of the crowd and acted out in a “corny” way.
“I apologize to anyone I put in danger,” she said. “And RIP George Floyd.”
Hundreds of people gathered near the Providence Place mall late Monday night, and early Tuesday morning went on a destructive rampage. Authorities have said it was not a protest of the killing of Floyd, but a coordinated attack.
More than 60 people were arrested and several police officers suffered minor injuries.
The investigation into who set the cruiser ablaze is continuing. Police have released images and a short video of two men involved in the cruiser’s destruction.
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