Da’Jon Lengyel, Destroying Police Vehicle, Pennsylvania 2020

PITTSBURGH, PA – In a brazen act of destruction, two residents of Allegheny County, PA, have been sentenced to prison terms on their convictions of conspiring to set fire to a police vehicle during the downtown riot on May 30, 2020, and on a related charge of unlawful interference with a law enforcement officer during a civil disorder on that same day.

According to information presented to the court, Da’Jon Lengyel, 24, of McKees Rocks, PA 15136, and Christopher West, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA 15210, attended a protest march held on May 30, 2020, in the downtown Pittsburgh area. The march was related primarily to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Lengyel and West climbed onto the police vehicle and jumped up and down on the roof, while West also sat on the roof and attempted to kick out a window of the vehicle. The pair, along with several other individuals, then began efforts to set fire to the vehicle. The police vehicle was completely destroyed as a result of the fire.

United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed a 27-month sentence on Lengyel and a 48-month sentence on West.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lengyel and West.

This case highlights the need for citizens to respect the law and the rights of law enforcement officers. The destruction of a police vehicle is a serious offense that can put the lives of officers in danger.

The sentencing of Lengyel and West sends a clear message that those who engage in such destructive behavior will be held accountable. The community can rest assured that justice has been served in this case.

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