Teenagers arrested for 'rash of graffiti' in Elkhart

Tribune Staff Report

Tools

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Feb 14, 2008 at 7:54 AM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2008 at 8:58 AM EDT

ELKHART — Elkhart police have arrested two 14-year-olds in connection with what police described as "a rash of graffiti."

According to a press release, the teens were arrested for curfew violation Feb. 4.

The case was assigned to a detective who interviewed about 20 victims of graffiti and arrested the two juveniles for suspicion of institutional criminal mischief and criminal mischief.

More charges could be filed in the future.

Police said the cost of repairs and clean up from the graffiti is estimated at $6,000.

Friday, Apr 18 at 10:23 AM Rosa wrote ...

Make these children write out reason they are tagging and then make them clean up dirty roads

Friday, Apr 11 at 9:58 PM Islander wrote ...

I saw some tag parks while traveling in South America. It didn't completely solve the problem but according to residents it did improve the situation. Perhaps tagging is different in the U.S., but in South America most tags in the tag parks were political in nature. Any thoughts?

Friday, Apr 11 at 3:14 PM Trebor wrote ...

I would like to express myself. Put these clowns on a road crew for the next six month or however long it takes to pay for the damage caused by them.

Monday, Apr 7 at 10:01 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Graffiti isn't about self expression. It's an entire language that gangs use to communicate, to insult, to mark territory. Having a place where they can freely go to "express" themselves will solve nothing.

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 10:40 AM Vanessa wrote ...

Well first of all I agree with Christine...that's a nice idea...but Dianne I so do not agree with her...maybe these teens just wanted to express themselves but they didn't know how so I guess they just taged

Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:27 AM Linda wrote ...

Punishing the parents teaches the child nothing. Teens make stupid decisions a lot. Who are you to say the parents are doing a bad parenting job. Are you living there? Did it ever occur to you that these girls just made a dumb mistake without thinking about the consequences. I agree with Christine. What about a tag park. I have seen some beautiful art work myself.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:52 AM Christine wrote ...

They made a skate boarding park because teens were skating illegally. They should make a tag park, where kids can vent there need to express themselves into art. Some of the graffiti I have seen is very talented, and beautiful, just not on other people property.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 10:11 AM dianne wrote ...

The teens should have to clean the buildings with a toothbrush and then the parents should have to pay the $6,000. Maybe then they'll parent their kids better.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WSBT Weather

icon
79
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
Greatest American Dog
9.00
CSI
10.00
Flashpoint
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

What is your reaction to the verdict in the Kathy Phillips trial?

E-mail your comments to us. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5:30.