Eagle Point Police Arrested Boy for Graffiti-Tagging City Parks & Covered Bridge
The Eagle Point Police Department has arrested a 12-year-old boy for felony vandalism after he graffiti-tagged two city parks and an historic covered bridge.
Last Saturday, an EPD officer responded to a report of graffiti at Mattie Brown Park. The officers investigated and located numerous locations of recent graffiti on trash cans, benches, walls and restrooms.
On Monday, more locations were discovered involving the same type of graffiti on tables and the clock at Centennial Park. Further investigation determined there was also graffiti on signs and inside the historic Antelope Creek Covered Bridge.
EPD Chief Jim Hamilton said officers began investigating the graffiti incidents while Eagle Point Public Works started removing the tags. Due to the amount of damage, he said some tables had to be removed from Centennial Park and the park was temporarily closed to public use.
Hamilton said officers reviewed video surveillance around the area and the suspect was identified as a 12-year-old boy. He said the juvenile was located and charged with 1st-Degree Criminal Mischief. The young suspect was cited and released, and the case was referred to the Jackson County Juvenile Department.
Total damages were estimated to be in excess of $1,500 for the multiple incidents.
Chief Hamilton said his department is committed to maintaining a vibrant, clean community. He said any acts of vandalism to Eagle Point parks or public areas will be fully investigated and prosecuted.
Posted on 3/9/24 6:28AM by Sam Marsh
