The St. Louis County prosecutor’s office has charged against a black male involved in the looting and arson of the Quik Trip convenience store across the street from the Mobil station on Christmas Eve. Joshua L. Williams, 19, is charged with 1st degree arson, 2nd degree burglary, and misdemeanor theft.
The incident happened early Wednesday morning after a Berkeley police officer shot and killed Antonio Martin, 18, at a Mobil station after Martin pointed a gun at the officer.
Video shows several people vandalizing a Quik Trip across the street following the shooting. One person can be seen committing arson. Police were able to put out the flames before significant damage was done. Police also have surveillance video from the Quik Trip.
Williams is reportedly the man who broke in and started the fires. He is also accused of stealing a lighter, gum, and money from the store. St. Louis County Police say Williams has confessed to the crimes was arrested.
Williams has been vocal at Ferguson related protests over the past several months. A small group gathered Saturday outside the St. Louis County Courthouse to show support for Williams.
"THIS VIDEO IS FAIR USE UNDER U.S. COPYRIGHT LAW BECAUSE IT IS (1) NON-COMMERCIAL, (2) TRANSFORMATIVE IN NATURE, (3) USES NO MORE OF THE ORIGINAL WORK THAN NECESSARY FOR THE VIDEO'S PURPOSE, AND (4) DOES NOT COMPETE WITH THE ORIGINAL WORK AND COULD HAVE NO NEGATIVE AFFECT ON ITS MARKET."
