Update: Juveniles apprehended after vandalism discovered in Worthington shelters
May 24—WORTHINGTON — Two juveniles have reportedly confessed to doing vandalism to restrooms at the 10th Street Pavillion, Centennial Park ball fields and Beach Nook, according to Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson Friday afternoon.
Robinson said another two juveniles will be interviewed next week in connection with the crime spree. The four individuals were identified through security camera footage at the facilities.
The damage was discovered Friday morning and had occurred sometime during the overnight hours. The vandals used red spray paint to add graffiti to the interior walls of the public restrooms at the 10th Street Pavillion, Beach Nook in Centennial Park and the restrooms at the city ball diamonds near Centennial Park. At the Beach Nook restrooms, all of the toilet paper dispensers were also broken.
"If this continues to happen, facilities will be shut down," said Worthington Public Works Director Todd Wietzema Friday morning.
The incidents are being investigated by the Worthington Police Department, and video from security cameras at the sites were being reviewed Friday morning. Wietzema said individuals involved with the vandalism will be prosecuted.
Vandalism to the facilities is disappointing for the city, which has worked hard to create public places and provide services for people in and visiting the community.
"I would say 99.9% of the people appreciate what we've done, but that .1% that feels they need to damage something ... why?," Wietzema said.
Robinson said he was completely disgusted by the behavior.
"If we are able to identify the culprits, we will file complaints against them," Robinson added. "If this continues we will have no choice but to shut down these facilities. We have gone to great effort to provide amenities to the public, but if they can't treat them properly, (these buildings) will no longer be available."
