Baltimore Man Charged In Connection To Arson During Baltimore Riots
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Another suspect has been federally charged in connection to an arson during the Baltimore Riots.
Authorities say 19-year-old Donta Betts, of Baltimore, has been charged with attempted arson of a police cruisier, and unlawfully making of a destructive device.
Betts was arrested back on July 7, 2015 on unrelated state charges.
According to charging documents, just before 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2015, surveillance video captures Betts removing the gas cap from a Baltimore Police cruiser and then placing a piece of flammable material into the fuel filler pipe, igniting the cruiser as a result.
Betts is also seen is additional video and photos setting fire to a roll of toilet paper with lighter fluid atop incendiary materials.
Surveillance video even captures Betts carrying items out of a burning CVS located on Pennsylvania Avenue, throwing rocks at police and attempting to tip over MTA vehicles during the unrest.
Betts faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a maximum of 20 years in prison for attempted arson; five years in prison for civil disorder; and 10 years in prison for the unlawful making of a destructive device.
The investigation into this and other arsons that occurred on April 27, 2015, is continuing.
Anyone with information is urged to call the ATF hotline, 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473). ATF continues to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual responsible for these incidents.