Rindge police arrest two, seize over 1,000 toilet paper rolls in alleged vandalism attempt
Published: 10-24-2024 1:01 PM |
In the early hours of Sunday morning, police arrested two people, took an additional three juveniles into protective custody and seized more than 1,000 rolls of toilet paper after an alleged attempt to vandalize the Rindge town common.
According to a press release issued by the Rindge Police Department on Wednesday, the detentions followed attempts made to toilet paper the common. Police had previously received information that the vandalism was planned, and were performing a targeted surveillance of the area.
Arrested were Grant Mathias Ketola, 18, and William David Barlow, 20. Both were charged with unlawful activities, littering, disobeying an officer, criminal mischief, resisting arrest or detention and possession or use of tobacco by a minor. Ketorla was also charged with loitering/prowling, and Barlow was charged with criminal mischief. One of the three detained minors was charged with possession or use of a tobacco product by a minor.
Both Ketola and Barlow were released on personal recognizance bail are scheduled to be arraigned in the 8th Circuit District Court in Jaffrey on Nov. 20.
Simultaneously, as police responded to the vandalism, a tire fire was set near the intersection of Route 119 and West Main Street. In past years, fires have been used as a diversion tactic to draw police away from the common for vandalism to occur. An arson and criminal mischief investigation has been opened into the tire fire.
At this time, the investigations relating to both incidents are ongoing. Attempts are being made to identify other involved parties and additional charges are likely, pending the outcome of multiple search warrant applications for electronic devices seized from the scene, according to police.
Witnesses or people with information about these incidents are encouraged to contact the Rindge Police Department directly at 603-899-5009 or through Cheshire County Dispatch at 603-355-2000.
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