Two men suspected of 3-week potato vandalism spree in Azusa
AZUSA -- Police arrested two local men Sunday on suspicion of hurling potatoes at parked cars during a three-week vandalism spree, authorities said.
Charles Maciel and Michael Espinosa, both 20, were booked on suspicion of felony vandalism, Azusa police Sgt. Andy Sutcliffe said in a written statement.
Residents of the 1300 blocks of N. San Gabriel and Dalton avenues called police about 12:30 a.m. to report their cars had been damaged by vandals throwing potatoes, the sergeant said.
Officers found Maciel and Espinosa inside a white, 1993 Plymouth van parked near 11th Street and Holmar Avenue, Sutcliffe said.
"Both Maciel and Espinosa admitted to officers they had been throwing potatoes at parked vehicles in the north end of Azusa every Saturday night since January 1st," he said.
Both men work at the same San Dimas steakhouse, Lt. Mike Bertelsen said, and told police they had been taking leftover potatoes from the restaurant just to throw at cars.
About half a dozen other cars were hit in the vandalisms, and the damage was initially estimated to be worth more than $2,000. The damage included broken windows, broken mirrors and dented fenders.
At least one previous victim reported the potato vandals had been in an older-model white van.
Bertelsen said Maciel and Espinosa were cited out of jail as they await a court date.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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