PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Police have arrested the woman who they say jumped on a cruiser Monday night as the violence in Providence began, Target 12 has learned.
Sarah Taylor, 21, of Warwick, was captured on video jumping on the cruiser that was eventually ignited and burned.
It all started when hundreds of people gathered outside Providence Place Mall to demand justice for George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died in police custody after an officer kneeled on his neck while he was handcuffed and pleading that he couldn’t breathe.
Destruction and vandalism then erupted in downtown Providence resulting in dozens of arrests, several police officers hurt and businesses looted.
Taylor is charged with four misdemeanors: vandalism, simple assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At her arraignment, police said Taylor was stomping on the windshield of the police cruiser and damaged a side light. She was also accused of kicking Captain Luis San Lucas, who suffered minor inuries. Officers identified her through cell phone video and arrested her at her home Thursday morning.
A judge released Taylor on personal recognizance and ordered her to comply with Providence’s 9 p.m. curfew and stay away from the Providence Place Mall.
After her court appearance, Taylor was driven to the Providence Police Department in a car that pulled into the driveway at the same time a news conference was set to begin with Providence Police command staff about Friday’s planned protest. The car backed out after seeing the reporters, and Taylor said out a window she did not want to comment on the charges against her.
Taylor is not being charged with setting the cruiser ablaze. Detectives have identified two potential suspects in the arson, and are asking the public identify photos of the individuals.
