UPDATE: Erwin Veteran’s Memorial Park Vandals ARRESTED
Dana Wachter/11 Connects
The flags were replaced at the Erwin Veteran’s Memorial Park as soon as possible on Wednesday. Community members remain disturbed by the disrespect of the vandals.
Erwin, Tenn.—Erwin Police Chief Reagan Tilson tells 11 Connects that two juvenile males were arrested just before midnight, and taken to the Johnson City Regional Juvenile Detention Center. The boys are from out-of-town, and were visiting relatives in Unicoi County. Their names cannot be released since they are under eighteen.
Monday morning they will face a judge at the Unicoi County courthouse. The two are charged with desecration of a venerated object; vandalism; theft; and arson.
Along with other evidence the Erwin Police gathered, Tilson said the police received an anonymous tip, concluding the juveniles were guilty. The Erwin Police Department, Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department and local veterans had offered a $2,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. Since the tip was anonymous, the reward was not necessary.
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Reader Reactions
I hope they get to spend some time in jail. And since they were juveniles, their parents should have to pay for the damage their brats caused. If you are going to visit our area, then respect it!
I am so glad they were caught. I hope these boys have to really pay jail time for what they did. It would just be wrong if they got a slap on the wrist and a few hours of community service, they deserve to do some time in jail along with community service. I am just heartsick about this whole situation, and I was glad to see people pull together to solve this case, as well as donate the flags to be flying high on the poles this 4th of July Independence Day.
I hope these boys learn a lesson in all of this, if they don’t they are headed down a road of crime and the jail cell will be their best friend for many years to come. CRIME DOES NOT PAY!!!!
I’m so glad these people were apprehended. To me, true justice in this case would be served by allowing these juveniles to personally labor to restore the loss such as those who destroy mailboxes. They get to purchase new boxes and then install them.
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