Update #1 DSP News Release: Tuesday, March 24, 2009- The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made

Prices Corner- The third and final suspect (14-years-old) implicated in this case turned himself in to authorities at Troop 6 this evening. He was charged with 23 counts of Graffiti and 16 counts of Conspiracy. He was released into his parents custody.

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DSP News Release: Tuesday, March 24, 2009- The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made

Location of Incident: Various locations throughout the Millcreek / Newark / Prices Corner areas- New Castle County

Date and Time of Occurrence: Various times over the past year

Suspect(s): Three juvenile boys (ages 15, 15, and 14) residing in the Millcreek area. Their names are being withheld due to their ages and the fact that these are misdemeanor offenses.

Resume: It all started on Friday the 13th. A little over a week ago, Troopers were called to the Wal-Mart on Centerville road for the report of a routine shoplifting. When officers arrived on the scene, the contacted two juvenile boys who were caught trying to steal spray-paint.

The youngsters were transported back to Troop 6 where their parents also responded. Some initial discussion took place and Troopers soon learned that one of the subjects in custody was responsible for several acts of graffiti plaguing the area.

Both boys were initially released on this day as the investigation was to continue. Three days later, the prime graffiti suspect returned to Troop 6 with his mother to cooperate further. The suspect drove throughout the Troop 6 area and pointed out his work to the officer. Other valuable information was also uncovered. Thus, with the help of this suspect, and the cooperation of his parent, Troopers were able to locate the areas of graffiti he was responsible for.

Warrants were completed, and on March 23rd both boys returned to the Troop for processing. The first boy was charged with a single count each of Graffiti and Conspiracy. The second (prime) subject was charged with 23 counts of Graffiti and 16 counts of Conspiracy. Both juveniles were released back into their parents’ custody with a court date pending in Family Court.

The third suspect is expected to turn himself in to authorities in the days to come.

This case started on Friday the 13th and the battle against graffiti continues.