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Suspects arrested in spray-painting caseBy Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, Sheriff's deputies arrested two boys, ages 14 and 15, Thursday in connection with a spray-painting spree that caused several thousand dollars of damage to properties east of U.S. 19 in Holiday. Sheriff's spokesman Jon Powers said the work of two detectives, three deputies and many helpful residents in Holiday led to the arrests for the vandalism that occurred Saturday night. About 30 properties were hit by the young vandals, who splashed obscenities and the number "666" on garage doors, cars, mailboxes, a water treatment building and Peace Lutheran Church. A fingerprint on one of the spray cans used was positively matched to the 15-year-old boy, an arrest report stated. The boys had taken many cans of spray paint from one or both of their homes, Powers said Thursday. The 15-year-old, who has one prior arrest, is being charged with 15 misdemeanors and one felony. The 14-year-old has no previous arrests and is being charged with 12 misdemeanors and one felony. They could face more charges if more homeowners come forward as victims, Powers said. The Times is withholding both the boys' names because of their ages. The felony charges stem from the damage done to the church, which is on Arcadia Road. Powers said the vandalism did not seem to be inspired by hate. "It appears to have been just a whim," he said. "It does not seem to have been target-specific. It was just at random until they got tired or ran out of paint." Powers said he does not expect more arrests for this vandalism. Both boys are being held in the juvenile detention center.
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