Racine couple faces criminal charges tied to Kenosha protests

KENOSHA, Wis. - A Racine couple faces charges in connection with protests in Kenosha in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake last August.

Joshua Ziminski, 35, and Kelly Ziminski, 30, face the following criminal counts:

• Arson of property other than building (felony - Joshua)
• Disorderly conduct, use of a dangerous weapon (misdemeanor - Joshua)
• Disorderly conduct (misdemeanor - Kelly)
• Obstructing an officer (misdemeanor - Joshua and Kelly)

According to the criminal complaint, Ziminski and his wife, Kelly, "participated in protests and riots in downtown Kenosha which occurred in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake by a Kenosha Police Officer." A review of cellphone video shows "both defendants attempted to block law enforcement vehicles that were clearing the area south of 56th St. on Sheridan Rd." because of a curfew that was imposed at the time.

The complaint indicates Kelly Ziminski "made a video recording on her phone of defendant Joshua Ziminski lighting a dumpster on fire." The complaint goes on to say "video shows Defendant Joshua Ziminski tossing a lit match into the dumpster and then asking the crowd for lighter fluid to help the fire spread. The video then shows Defendant Joshua pushing the dumpster into the southbound lanes of Sheridan Rd...as marked police vehicles are moving south on Sheridan Rd. towards him. Defendant Kelly Ziminski is seen in the video adding flammable material to the fire to increase the flame."

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Joshua Ziminski made his initial appearance in court on Tuesday, Jan. 26 Cash bond was set at $1,000 -- and he is due back in court on Feb. 12.

Kelly Ziminski made her initial appearance last month. She has already pleaded not guilty to the charges she faces -- and is due back in court on Jan. 29.