Facebook tips lead cops to alleged graffiti culprits in Kerhonkson – Times Herald
July 27, 2011 by admin
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KERHONKSON — Tips posted on Facebook helped police nab two teenagers who are accused of spraying graffiti on the new bridge in Kerhonkson.
Police arrested the teens, ages 13 and 15, earlier this week and charged them each with two counts of criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.
The teens are accused of spray painting phrases and demented-looking smiley faces on the new bridge that spans the Rondout Creek in this hamlet. The graffiti was discovered June 22, only three weeks after a ribbon was cut to celebrate the bridge’s opening.
Angered community members immediately took to the internet, and Ulster County Legislator Terry Bernardo posted some photos of the damage on her Facebook page.
The photos showed a graffito tag reading “Thx 4 tha BRIDGE.” (Translation: Thanks for the bridge.) Other graffiti included names and initials, apparently belonging to the young culprits.
Several community members responded to Bernardo’s photos with tips and information about possible suspects. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said the digital leads helped them find both teens.
“Without the community assistance on Facebook, who knows if we would have made an arrest,” Sheriff Paul Van Blarcum said.
Both teens were released with tickets to appear in family court Aug. 10.
The new bridge cost $4.7 million. Its completion reopened a main road through the hamlet after it was closed for 30 months.
abosch@th-record.com
