January 10, 2021 • No Comments • National News

WABC-TVBY: MEREDITH DELISO, ABC NEWS

(NEW YORK) — A California woman faces multiple charges for allegedly falsely accusing a Black teenager of stealing her cellphone and physically attacking him inside a New York City hotel last month.

Miya Ponsetto was charged in Manhattan Saturday with two counts of attempted assault, attempted robbery, grand larceny and endangering the welfare of a child.

The charges are not eligible for bail, but she will need to follow supervised release and was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victims.

Her next court appearance in New York will come March 29.

Ponsetto, 22, was arrested in her hometown of Piru, California, on Thursday, after fleeing the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department as it tried to make a traffic stop on a fugitive warrant for her arrest, officials said. Once she stopped in front of a home, she put up a fight and resisted arrest, authorities told ABC News. During a virtual court appearance on Friday, she agreed to be extradited to New York.

The charges stem from a Dec. 26 incident at the Arlo SoHo Hotel that’s gained national attention. Keyon Harrold, a Grammy-winning trumpet player, was staying there with his 14-year-old son when he said Ponsetto approached his son in the lobby to accuse him of stealing her phone. Harrold recorded part of the encounter on his phone and shared the video on social media.

In the video that Harrold recorded, a woman later identified by authorities as Ponsetto could be seen yelling at the teen and lunging at him. Harrold’s son could also be heard denying that he stole the phone.

Ponsetto’s cellphone was ultimately found by an Uber driver, according to national civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Harrold family.

“As this year of racial awareness is drawing to a close, it’s deeply troubling that incidents like this one, in which a Black child is viewed as and treated like a criminal, continue to happen,” Crump said in a statement following the incident.

ABC News was unable to reach Ponsetto following her hearing.

In an interview with “CBS This Morning” that aired Friday, Ponsetto apologized for her actions.

“I don’t feel that that is who I am as a person. I don’t feel like this one mistake does define me,” she said during the interview, which was filmed Thursday before her arrest. “But I do sincerely from the bottom of my heart apologize that if I made the son feel as if I assaulted him or if I hurt his feelings or the father’s feelings.”

Ponsetto’s former attorney, Sharen Ghatan, said in a statement to ABC News Thursday that she was “extremely concerned” about Ponsetto’s mental state. “It is clear that she is emotionally unwell,” she said.

In an interview Friday with “Good Morning America,” Harrold Jr.’s parents said they were grateful for Ponsetto’s arrest this week.

“She should have been arrested a long time ago, but I am grateful that she is arrested,” his mom said.

Harrold Jr. said he was “happy that justice will be served.”

Crump and Harrold Jr.’s parents have also accused the hotel staff of improperly handling the situation.

“This is a good development, but management of @ArloHotels — owned by Quadrum Global — gave power to Miya’s racist actions and must also be held accountable!!” Crump tweeted Saturday after Ponsetto was charged.

After the incident, the hotel chain apologized to Harrold in an Instagram post and said it was investigating further.

“We’re deeply disheartened about the recent incident of baseless accusation, prejudice and assault against an innocent guess of Arlo Hotel,” said the statement. “We want to apologize to Mr. Harrold and his son for this inexcusable experience.”

Ponsetto was also arrested in California three times in 2020, though she’d never been arrested prior to last year. On Feb. 28, she was arrested for public intoxication after getting into a fight outside a hotel, according to charging documents. She was charged with driving under the influence on May 29 after someone called police when they saw her get into a car leaving a grocery store while apparently intoxicated. She was pulled over and found with open containers of alcohol and marijuana in her car and was charged with driving with a suspended license, according to the charging documents.

Her third arrest last year came on Oct. 10 when she was charged with DUI, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. She had allegedly got into a physical altercation with her mother after leaving her car abandoned at a nearby intersection and then tackled a responding officer to the ground. Her blood alcohol limit was 0.14, almost twice the legal limit, police said.

ABC News’ Alex Stone, Aaron Katersky and Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 10, 2021 • No Comments • National News

ABC NewsBY: DANIEL MANZO, ABC NEWS

(NEW YORK) — A new winter storm is beginning to develop in the southern high plains this morning and it will bring some snow across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi over the next 36 hours.

The very beginnings of this storm brought some snow across parts of New Mexico and Colorado on Saturday.

While snow amounts were relatively light — locally 1 to 2 inches — it was enough to make roads slippery and cause spinouts and accidents in parts of Colorado Springs.

The storm is currently bringing some snow across the Texas and Oklahoma panhandle and as the storm moves east across Texas today, a couple of heavy bands of snow will develop across parts of Central Texas.

Dangerous travel conditions are expected in parts of the state, especially near Abilene, where snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour.

As the storm moves across the eastern half of Texas, the system will meet some mild air and there will be rain and snow mixed across the region which should hold down accumulations in Dallas and Waco.

However, there should be enough snow to cause slippery roads with locally 1 to 3 inches of snow and the best chance for accumulation well outside the city itself.

Some of the heavy snow might have a chance to accumulate in eastern Texas after sunset with locally over 3 inches of snow possible in locations such as Lufkin.

On Monday morning, snow will be possible across parts of Louisiana and Mississippi and the National Weather Service is reporting the last time more than 2 inches of snow was reported in Shreveport was in 2015, and the last time there was a good measureable snow in the city overall was in 2018.

It is important to note that this storm will fall apart as it reaches the Southeast with little impact expected by Tuesday and Wednesday.

Overall, the weather pattern is fairly quiet across much of the U.S. while the Northeast will have a cold January morning with wind chills in the teens and 20s as winds in the region begin to subside.

On the West Coast, several storms lined up across the Pacific will move towards the Northwest over the next few days which should add to rainfall totals and snow totals in the region.

One of those storms today will help waves to exceed 30 feet in some parts of the West Coast of the U.S. as high surf advisories have been issued for nearly the entire western U.S. coast line as a result.

For those that enjoy winter surfing, some spots — especially in California — could see excellent surfing conditions.

In Southern California there could be some brief critical fire conditions due to dry gusty offshore winds that could exceed 50 mph at times.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 9, 2021 • No Comments • National News

Win McNamee/Getty ImagesBY: ROSA SANCHEZ, ABC NEWS

(NEW YORK) — At least two Seattle police officers have been placed on leave and are being investigated for their alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol protests.

The Seattle Police Department released a statement Friday night saying that it was made aware Friday of the officers’ involvement in the Jan. 6 siege and is now taking the appropriate measures.

“The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer,” Chief Adrian Diaz said in the statement, referring to Brian Sicknick, who died of injuries he sustained during the attack.

Diaz said the case is now being reviewed by the Office of Police Accountability.

“The OPA will investigate whether any SPD policies were violated and if any potential illegal activities need to be referred for criminal investigation,” he said. “If any SPD officers were directly involved in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, I will immediately terminate them. While OPA investigates, these officers have been placed on administrative leave.”

This seems to be the first report of out-of-state law enforcement officials being involved in the violent pro-Trump protests.

The FBI is currently working to identify those involved and has already made various arrests.

In a statement late Friday, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono said in a press call, “Just because you’ve left the D.C. region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out that you were part of criminal activity inside the Capitol. Bottom line—the FBI is not sparing any resources in this investigation.”

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 8, 2021 • No Comments • National News

DNY59/iStockBy ABC News

(DENVER) — The Colorado attorney general’s office opened a grand jury investigation on the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old who died after being apprehended by police as he was walking home from a convenience store.

“Our investigation will be thorough, guided by the facts and law, and worthy of the public’s trust. In order to maintain the impartiality and integrity of the process, we have no further comment at this time,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

January 8, 2021 • No Comments • National News

wellesenterprises/iStockBy JACK DATE, MARK OSBORNE and EMILY SHAPIRO, ABC News

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington has opened a federal murder investigation into the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday night after suffering injuries in the violent siege on Capitol Hill, three law enforcement sources confirmed to ABC News.

The investigation is being conducted jointly between the FBI and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, with cooperation from U.S. Capitol Police.

Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement that the Department of Justice “will spare no resources in investigating and holding accountable those responsible.”

Sicknick responded to Wednesday’s riots and “was injured while physically engaging with protesters,” Capitol Police said in a statement. “He returned to his division office and collapsed.”

He was taken to a hospital, where he died at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, police said.

According to sources familiar with the matter, authorities believe Sicknick’s death was driven by a medical condition. They’re also investigating reports that he was attacked with a fire extinguisher or another item at the Capitol, sources said. So far, reports of an attack haven’t been confirmed and authorities are hoping to locate video or other imagery from the scene.

Sicknick’s family said in a statement, “Many details regarding Wednesday’s events and the direct causes of Brian’s injuries remain unknown and our family asks the public and the press to respect our wishes in not making Brian’s passing a political issue.”

Sicknick, a 42-year-old military veteran, had worked for the Capitol Police for 12 years.

Sicknick’s family said he “wanted to be a police officer his entire life.”

“After a day of fighting for his life,” one of his brothers said in a statement, “he passed away a hero. I would like to thank all of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement for the incredible compassion and support they have shown my family.”

Sicknick leaves behind his parents, two brothers and his girlfriend of 11 years.

Sicknick’s death is the fifth connected to Wednesday’s riots, which saw swarms of pro-Donald Trump rioters overwhelm police barricades, surge into the Capitol and force lawmakers to flee or hide.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has ordered all flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff in Sicknick’s honor.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here,” Pelosi said in a statement Friday.

“The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick’s death must be brought to justice,” Pelosi added. “The violent and deadly act of insurrection targeting the Capitol, our temple of American Democracy, and its workers was a profound tragedy and stain on our nation’s history.”

“The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic,” Pelosi said. “May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick’s family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.”

Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer is calling for Sicknick to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting those trapped in the Capitol amid a violent assault on our democracy itself,” Beyer said in a statement Friday. “Like others before him who died in defense of the people’s representatives, he deserves to lie in state.”

The White House’s first comments on Sicknick’s death came Friday morning in a statement from deputy press secretary Judd Deere.

“Anytime a member of law enforcement dies in the line of duty it is a solemn reminder to us all that they run toward danger to maintain peace,” Deere said. “The President and the entire Administration extend our prayers to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick’s family as we all grieve the loss of this American hero.”

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted Friday afternoon, “Officer Sicknick is an American hero who gave his life defending our Capitol and this Nation will never forget or fail to honor the service and sacrifice of Officer Brian Sicknick.”

President-elect Joe Biden on Friday offered his sympathy to Sicknick’s family, adding, “The people responsible should be held accountable. And they will be.”

In 1997, Sicknick, a New Jersey native, enlisted in New Jersey’s Air National Guard.

Sicknick deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 and to Kyrgyzstan in 2003, said Lt. Col. Barbara Brown, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 2003.

“Officer Sicknick gave his life protecting the United States Capitol, and by extension, our very democracy, from violent insurrection,” Murphy said in a statement. “His needless murder at the hands of a mob bent on overthrowing the Constitution he had dedicated his life to upholding is shocking. It is my fervent hope that the rioters whose actions directly contributed to his death are quickly identified and brought to justice.”

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam added, “Officer Sicknick was killed while doing his job — defending those trapped in the Capitol building amid a violent attack on our democracy. His death is a tragedy, and those responsible must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association President Larry Cosme called Sicknick an “American hero.”

“Officer Sicknick and his brothers and sisters in the U.S. Capitol Police were the thin blue line protecting not just our elected officials from violent insurrectionists, but the very heart of American democracy,” Cosme said in a statement. “Political violence in this country in any form is deplorable. We support a full and vigorous investigation and prosecution of all involved in carrying out this heinous assault.”

Cosme added, “We urge the Justice Department to pursue the maximum penalties for the death of this officer and all of the assaults on law enforcement that occurred on that day for anyone responsible for orchestrating, participating, and carrying out Wednesday’s invasion of the U.S. Capitol.”

Other lawmakers reacted overnight to Sicknick’s death, including Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, who tweeted: “On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, our thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. May he Rest In Peace, and we work tirelessly to honor his service to the Congress and our nation.”

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who has been criticized for his attempt to overturn 2020 election results, wrote on Twitter: “Devastating. Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the family of the U.S. Capitol Police officer who tragically lost his life keeping us safe. He was a true hero. Yesterday’s terrorist attack was a horrific assault on our democracy. Every terrorist needs to be fully prosecuted.”

Rep. Tim Ryan, R-Ohio, said his heart is broken over the loss and added that Sicknick’s death should serve as a “reminder of the bravery of the law enforcement who protect us every day.”

Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, wrote: “I am devastated to hear about the passing of U.S. @CapitolPolice Officer Brian Sicknick and extend my deepest sympathy to his family. My staff and I cannot say enough to express our appreciation for his sacrifice to keep us safe.”

Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., tweeted: “Devastating news. Please join me in praying for our fallen Capitol Police officer’s family during this heartbreaking time.”

Among those who died in the siege, three people suffered medical emergencies, while a 35-year-old woman, Ashli Babbitt, was shot and killed by Capitol Police while trying to enter a broken window into the House Chamber.

Law enforcement said more than 50 Capitol Police and Metropolitan police officers suffered injuries in the rioting and several officers have been hospitalized “with serious injuries.”

“These individuals actively attacked United States Capitol Police Officers and other uniformed law enforcement officers with metal pipes, discharged chemical irritants, and took up other weapons against our officers,” Capitol Police said.

Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund resigned on Thursday afternoon in the wake of the riots. Pelosi was among those calling for his resignation.

Capitol Police Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou said in a statement Thursday that officers were “frustrated and demoralized by the lack of leadership.”

“This never should have happened,” Papathanasiou said.

ABC News’ Luke Barr, Vera Drymon, Jenn Leong, Mike Levine, Alex Mallin and John Parkinson contributed to this report.

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