Ohio Man Accused Of Burning Booth During Protests In Cleveland

SOLON, OH — A Maple Heights man is accused of burning a parking lot attendant booth during the May 30th demonstrations in Cleveland, prosecutors announced.

Timothy James Goodner, 19, has been charged with maliciously damaging by means of fire any building or property. The Department of Justice said Goodner burned a booth at Shaia's Parking Lot on West 3rd St.

“Today’s arrest demonstrates the continued resolve of federal law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute those individuals responsible for the widespread damage in our downtown on May 30,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman on Friday.

The May 30th protests started peacefully, with demonstrators gathered in downtown Cleveland calling for an end to police brutality. Tensions rose and protesters and police clashed. Property was burned and tear gas and rubber bullets were fired into the crowd.

Goodner and others went to the parking lot attendant booth during the demonstrations, according to the criminal complaint. Video from May 30 shows people setting fire to cardboard boxes and paper towels and then tossing them into the booth.

Goodner can be seen placing boxes and other combustible products inside the booth, to aid the fire, prosecutors said.

“This defendant is alleged to have committed arson during the riot that followed an otherwise peaceful, Constitutionally-protected assembly of our neighbors. Let this arrest serve as a reminder to all those who were engaged in similar crimes on that day - we are going to find you, we are going to arrest you, and we are going to hold you accountable," Herdman said.

Cleveland police released images of the burning of the parking lot attendant booth. Tips from the public help identified Goodner, police said.