Looting, vandalism after Arlington protests Monday lead to arrests, charges
Arlington Police has released the names and charges of six individuals arrested after Monday night’s vandalism and looting, according to an Arlington Police Department press release.
Monday was the first night Arlington held protests in response to the May 25 death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, who died after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed a knee on his neck while he was handcuffed.
Protests began peacefully at around 4 p.m. Monday, but soon turned into the vandalism and looting of multiple Arlington businesses.
A few hours later, a group marched toward the Walmart located at 915 W. Randol Mill Road and several people began to break in, the release stated. Officers made four arrests related to this incident:
Arlington resident Keniya Garrett, charged with burglary of a building, engaging in organized criminal activity, fail to ID fugitive. Garrett also had 9 warrants.
Fort Worth resident Danecia Harris, charged with burglary of a building and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Grand Prairie resident D’Anthony Reed, charged with burglary of a building, engaging in organized criminal activity.
Fort Worth resident Breopthilus Williams, charged with burglary of a building and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Later, the First Cash Pawn located at 2916 S. Cooper St. was broken into by multiple suspects, the release stated. Police made one arrest on this offense:
Duncanville resident Cayson Truly, charged with burglary of a building, evading arrest, fail to ID fugitive and a felony warrant from Dallas County.
Officers also took Arlington resident Jason Simpson into custody on two outstanding misdemeanor warrants after leaving the First Cash Pawn Shop burglary area.
The Arlington Police Department is also looking for at least 75 cars that drove recklessly throughout the city and evaded arrest, the release stated. Evading arrest is a state jail felony.
Interim Police Chief Jaime Ayala said his department will continue to support peaceful protests, but will not tolerate individuals who detract from the message and target criminal action against city residents, officers and businesses.
“What we saw last night which started as a peaceful assembly quickly turned violent after some people started defacing law enforcement property, damaging private businesses and burglarizing retail stores,” Ayala said.
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 5:18 PM.