NEWS

At least 70 car vandalism cases reported; 3 arrested

Staff report

NEWARK -- Three teenagers have been arrested after at least 70 reports of damage to vehicles were made overnight in Newark and Heath.

Newark Division of Police Interim Chief Barry Connell said police in Newark and Heath began receiving calls about damage to vehicles by BB guns Saturday evening.

Damage is spread throughout Newark and Heath and could have spread to other areas, Connell said.

Heath police said in a press release that nine complaints there were centered around the Southgate residential area.

A Newark officer located a vehicle matching a description given by a victim in the area of Rosehill Avenue early Sunday morning, Connell said, and found evidence of CO2 cartridges and BB gun packages.

An 18-year-old man and two 16-year-old boys were taken into custody early Sunday and at least one has confessed, Connell said. Charges are expected to be filed Monday.

Connell estimates there are about 70 victims as of Sunday morning but that number could climb.

"We don't know yet how far ranging it is," Connell said.

Anyone who believes they are a victim should call the police department at 740-670-7200 to be added to the report, Connell said. They should also take pictures of the damage and keep an insurance estimate for repairs or receipts if paying out of pocket to give to police.

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