ATLANTA — Police have arrested a man who stood on top of a burning police car outside CNN center during protests on several charges, including arson and inciting a riot.
Dramerius Jeffries, 22, was wanted on several outstanding warrants after protests June 4 in the days after George Floyd’s death. Jeffries was photographed standing on a burning Atlanta police car brandishing a stolen riot shield.
Before he jumped on the police car, police said Jeffries climbed on top of the CNN sign while people below him defaced it and threw rocks at the windows of the CNN Center.
In the police report, an Atlanta officer said Jeffries then led other protesters to damage the police cars and then stood on top of one and stomped out the windshield.
Officers who saw him committing felonies weren’t able to arrest him “as Jeffries was surrounded by a violent mob,” U.S. Marshals said in a statement.
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Jeffries was taken into custody June 25 at an Atlanta apartment complex by the U.S. Marshals’ fugitive task force. He’s been charged with arson, inciting a riot, reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, willful obstruction of law enforcement and use of threats or violence.
Jeffries is an Atlanta rapper who goes by DQJ. Pictures of him standing on top of the burning police car are posted to his social media accounts.
Jim Joyner, commander of the task force, said the crimes Jeffries is charged with tainted the message of peaceful protesters.
“If needed discussions and conversations between the community and law enforcement are to be had, acts such as what Jeffries is charged with only impede them,” Joyner said. “Like the peaceful protesters, I pray that justice will be served by our system in the George Floyd case. A judge and jury will decide what that justice is.”
Jeffries appeared in front of a judge Friday afternoon and later posted bond. He has since been released.
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