Man arrested for alleged involvement in destroying Pittsburgh police vehicle during protest

Allegheny County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Stowe man Monday evening, accusing him of participating in the destruction of a Pittsburgh police vehicle during a protest outside PPG Paints Arena.

Dajon Lengyel, 22, is charged with criminal mischief, institutional vandalism and riot for the May 30 incident that started as a peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

The sheriff’s department said Lengyel stomped on a Pittsburgh police vehicle and threw a traffic cone through the vehicle’s window.

He was transported to the Allegheny County Jail after deputies surrounded his home in the 1100 block of Stowe Avenue. He was arrested without incident.

In addition to his alleged involvement during the protests, Lengyel also was wanted on a criminal bench warrant for domestic violence in Brentwood after he failed to appear at court last June and forfeited his bond. Charges for that incident include simple assault, strangulation, terroristic threats and harassment.

According to the sheriff’s department, the victim in the incident filed for a restraining order, which Lengyel violated by contacting friends of the victim and requesting information about the possible testimony. Officials also claim he offered money to the victim to change their story.

Lengyel is the second person to face charges for the May 30 incident. Brian Bartels, 20, of Shaler is facing federal charges of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder after he was accused of initiating the destruction of a police car outside PPG Paints Arena, including spray painting the car, kicking and stomping on it and smashing its windshield.