(New York Post) The Philadelphia social media influencer arrested while she live-streamed Tuesday night’s looting mayhem fought back tears as she was charged with six felonies.
Dayjia Blackwell, better known as “Meatball,” shared her first-hand view of the chaos, where looters targeted several businesses including Apple, Foot Locker and Lululemon, before being caught.
In the videos posted to her Instagram stories, Blackwell can be heard laughing and cheering on the other looters as she stood by and watched the chaos unfold.
At one point during her stream, Blackwell turned to face her camera and challenged the cops to arrest her.
“Tell the police they’re either gonna lock me up tonight, or it’s gonna get lit, it’s gonna be a movie,” she said at one point.
“This is what happens when we don’t get justice in this city,” she screamed as she joined a crowd of youngsters in the street.
Blackwell’s video showed hordes of looters rushing into the Apple store and running away with iPhones and tablets.
“Free iPhones! Free iPhones,” Blackwell yelled.
Dayjia Blackwell, better known as “Meatball,” was seen crying in her mugshot.Philadelphia police department
In the videos posted to her Instagram stories, Blackwell can be heard laughing and cheering on the other looters as she stood by and watched the chaos unfold.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
Police used the social media posts of Blackwell and other alleged looters to determine their precise location amidst the chaos, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
On Wednesday, “Meatball” was handed eight separate charges including six felonies stemming from her involvement with the looting, according to court documents viewed by The Post.
Blackwell was charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespassing, Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief, Riot with the intent to commit a felony and Criminal use of a Communication Facility.
Police also issued the influencer two misdemeanors — Receiving stolen property and Hazardous Conditions/Physically offensive.
At one point during her stream, Blackwell turned to face her camera and challenged the cops to arrest her.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
Blackwell’s video showed hordes of looters rushing into the Apple store and running away with iPhones and tablets.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
Police used the social media posts of Blackwell and other alleged looters to determine their precise location amidst the chaos, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
Blackwell’s bail was set for $25,000 which she posted early Thursday, according to the documents.
Following the mass looting that took place in the City Center neighborhood and its surrounding areas, Philadelphia police heightened security around the city on Wednesday night.
But that didn’t stop some from causing more havoc.
Several stores were struck including liquor store, according to footage captured by NBC Philadelphia, and a Wells Fargo drive-up ATM that was stolen.
On Wednesday, “Meatball” was handed eight separate charges including six felonies stemming from her involvement with the looting.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
