Man denies fanning flames that destroyed police car in Utah

Man denies fanning flames that destroyed police car in Utah

A man accused of feeding the fire that destroyed a Salt Lake City police car during protests over George Floyd’s death says he was actually trying to extinguish the flames. La’Troi Newbins said during a teleconference court hearing Tuesday that he only had peaceful intentions when he joined protesters on May 30. Newbins has been charged with one count of arson. Prosecutors say Newbins put what appeared to be a rolled-up banner on the fire to act as kindling. But his attorney says Newbins soaked the material in water and used it in an attempt to stamp out the flames.