Providence Man Indicted for Torching Providence Police Cruiser During June 2020 Riots

Providence Man Indicted for Torching Providence Police Cruiser During June 2020 Riots

A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment on Friday charging a Providence man with arson, alleging that he intentionally set a Providence Police Department cruiser on fire during a riot in downtown Providence during the early morning hours of June 2, 2020.

It is alleged that Luis Joel Sierra, 36, leaned inside a Providence Police cruiser to ignite a fire. The cruiser was quickly engulfed in flames and destroyed.

Latest in Legal Proceedings

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

According to court documents, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the torching of the police vehicle was bolstered by video from surveillance cameras, cell phones, and social media, and from information provided via email to law enforcement tip lines, including the Boston FBI tip line.

Additionally, as alleged in court documents, Sierra told someone that he was one of the individuals responsible for the arson of the Providence Police Department vehicle by applying a flammable liquid to the interior of the vehicle and then using a lighter to ignite the fire. Law enforcement was also provided with several videos allegedly taken on Snapchat off Sierra’s phone and a recorded conversation with Sierra during which Sierra allegedly detailed his actions igniting the fire.

On August 14, 2020, members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force executed a court-authorized search of Sierra’s residence and seized matching clothing allegedly worn by Sierra on the evening of June 1, 2020 and early morning of June 2, 2020, including a black Caterpillar jacket; white Adidas sweatpants; a camouflage mask; two black gloves, one with a logo on the back of the hand; and two one-handed windshield-style lighters.  

If convicted as charged, Sierra faces statutory penalties of 7- 40 years imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.