PEARL — Two 18-year-olds are facing charges in connection with vandalism at Pearl City Park that caused an estimated $2,000 in damage, authorities said.
Vandalism at the park in Pearl. (Source: Pearl Police Department)Officers with the Pearl Police Department first encountered the suspects, identified as John Dearing and Ashton Maples, around 2:30 a.m. March 15 while on patrol in the park after hours. Police said both individuals were in possession of spray paint cans at the time, but were released pending further investigation after no damage was immediately located.
On March 18, the city’s Parks and Recreation Division reported multiple instances of vandalism throughout the park.
Damaged property included a tennis and pickleball court, a fenced gate near a dumpster, a “No Trespassing” sign and a building at the Center City Baseball Complex, according to police.
Vandalism at the park in Pearl. (Source: Pearl Police Department)Investigators later identified Dearing as a suspect and took him into custody. He is being held on bond pending charges of malicious mischief and trespassing.
Maples remains at large and has active warrants with the city, authorities said.
Anyone with information on Maples’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Pearl Police Department at 601-939-7000 or submit a tip through Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-888-8CRIMES.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Vandalism at the park in Pearl. (Source: Pearl Police Department)
