CRESTVIEW – Two suspects have been identified by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office in connection to acts of vandalism committed at Crestview Schools and surrounding residences.
The suspects were found mere hours after the Sheriff’s Office utilized the media on Aug. 2 to request the public’s assistance in locating the two suspects and vehicle responsible for criminal damaging and breaking and entering at Crestview Schools, as well as criminal damaging at three area residences.
Starting July 27, Crestview Schools and residents living in the area reported property damages, including smashed windshields, door handles, building windows and lights, school doors and a mailbox. The total amount reported in damage totaled almost $10,000.
Six hours after the request in the media, the Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip from a citizen that led to the identification of the suspect vehicle and suspects. One of the suspects was interviewed Thursday morning and admitted to all offenses, including two additional cases involving criminal damaging in the same area at residences.
The second suspect is a juvenile and deputies have been in contact with his legal representation.
According to Maj. Joe Masi with the Sheriff’s Office, the two suspects are an adult and a juvenile. Their identities are being withheld because arrests were not actually made.
“The suspect actually turned himself in, he was fully cooperative and regretful for what he did,” Masi said. “We felt confident leaving him back in society.”
The evidence and case investigation for both suspects will be submitted to the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office for charges. Masi said after charges are determined, the adult suspect will most likely be issued an indictment for arrest and required to post bond.
The juvenile’s case, Masi said, will eventually be turned over to Judge Ron Spon in Richland County’s Juvenile Court.
Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon expressed his thanks to the media and the public for their help in resolving these crimes.
“It goes to show how well our community and the Sheriff’s Office works well together to keep us all safe,” he said.
