JUVENILE ARRESTED FOR GRAFFITI AT LEGHORNS PARK
On February 17, 2022, at 6:13 PM, the police department received a report of a vandalism at Leghorns Park on Sonoma Mountain Parkway. The investigating officer located approximately 25 taggings, in the children’s play area, the men’s bathroom and near the tennis courts. The taggings were done with both large and small paint markers. The graffiti contained some racially derogatory drawings and words. Maintenance crews from the Parks and Recreation Department were called out to clean the graffiti. Crews spent several hours cleaning up the graffiti. The estimated cost for the cleanup was approximately $2500.00. The investigating officer also located paperwork at the scene that indicated a possible suspect. The case was forwarded to a detective in the Investigations Unit that specializes in Hate Crimes investigations. The detective located video surveillance in the adjoining Leghorn Marketplace shopping center that help identify the suspect. On March 1, a 14-year-old male suspect was contacted and arrested for Felony Vandalism, defacing property with the intent to intimidate, threaten, etc. any person based upon race, nationality, etc., and possession of a paint marker. The juvenile was released to a parent.
The city has been installing surveillance cameras at public facilities over the past few years and Leghorns Park will have cameras installed soon to help deter criminal activity. The police department askes if you see anyone acting suspiciously or criminal activity to call the police department. Hate crimes of any type will not be tolerated and will be pursued aggressively. If evidence of a racially motivated hate crime is found to have occurred, we will fully seek prosecution under the law. Further information about Hate Crimes can be found at City Of Petaluma Police Department Information & Links.
Media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Tim Lyons at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. Case #22-683
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
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