Prosecutors have charged a seventh person for allegedly flipping and damaging a Salt Lake City police car during a police brutality protest May 30 that turned violent.
Folau Ofakikolokakal Mafi, 26, of Salt Lake City, is facing a first-degree felony count of criminal mischief and a third-degree felony count of rioting. The criminal mischief charge also includes a gang enhancement, since eight people are suspected of damaging the patrol car.
Mafi is listed as a co-defendant alongside Rhys Clementine Wisner, 21, of Midvale; Julie Mariam Yasima, 26, of Murray; Connor Peebles, 21, of Belmont, Mich., and Ian Eric Nightingale, 18, of South Jordan.
Jackson Stuart Tamowski Patton, 26, and Latroi Devons Newbins, 28, have been charged in district and federal court for their alleged part in damaging and setting the car ablaze.
According to Mafi’s probable cause statement, an officer was driving her patrol into work and was stopped by a crowd of protesters near 200 East and 400 South. The crowd surrounded her car and banged on the windows, the statement said. She called for help and was picked up by other officers.
Police say after that at least eight people pushed the car onto its roof. It was later set on fire and destroyed.
Investigators said they linked Mafi to the crime because of video footage that showed his neck tattoo. Mafi allegedly threw a beer can at the car when it was on its side and then helped push the car onto its roof. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Court documents state that bail was set at $25.
