A well-known Philadelphia influencer known as ‘Meatball,’ whose real name is Dayjia Blackwell, was released on bail of $25,000 after being arrested for looting while live-streaming.
Following her release, she took to her Instagram story and went live, where she made an appeal to her 196,000 followers for financial support.
Reportedly, she expressed her desire to treat herself and even provided her Cash App handle for followers to contribute. Blackwell also encouraged users to “bless her” and repeatedly mentioned her wish to get her “toes done.”
In addition to her financial requests, Blackwell hinted at plans to sell clothing and hats from her brand and even suggested the possibility of printing merchandise featuring her own mugshot.
Blackwell faces multiple charges, including burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespassing, rioting, criminal mischief, criminal use of communication facility, receipt of stolen property, and disorderly conduct.
Prior to her arrest, she had encouraged her Instagram followers to join her as she documented looting activities in various locations, including stores such as Apple, Lululemon, Footlocker, and a liquor store where she boasted about acquiring a bottle of Hennessy.
Her live-streamed arrest showed her attempting to talk her way out of the situation while sobbing, although she was ultimately taken into custody.
The arrest came as part of police efforts to monitor social media for looting activities. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford explained that they were able to link some incidents to social media posts, leading to arrests.
Blackwell is scheduled to appear in court on October 17 for her next hearing. Meanwhile, Philadelphia experienced a second night of looting, with brazen thieves targeting a liquor store, stealing a safe, and raiding a lottery machine.
At least 52 arrests were made, with charges filed against numerous individuals, primarily adults.
The looting incidents followed a peaceful protest over a judge’s decision to dismiss murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer who shot and killed a driver named Eddie Irizarry through a rolled-up window.
Crime statistics for the city have been alarming, with 302 homicides reported so far this year, in addition to a significant number of reported rapes, property crimes, aggravated assaults, and shooting victims.
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