Two youths likely to face charges in Rockland vandalism

ROCKLAND – City detectives plan to charge two juvenile boys for last week’s vandalism of the historic schooner J&E Riggin and a tire-slashing spree throughout the city.

Deputy Police Chief Wallace Tower said a 15-year-old from Rockland and a 13-year-old from Thomaston were implicated in the vandalism after an investigation by Detectives Christopher Young and Russell Thompson. Because their behavior resulted in more than $2,000 in damage, the boys will be charged with aggravated criminal mischief, Tower said Monday.

The incidents took place on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the schooner berth off the Rockland Harbor Park complex and on downtown streets. Lines securing the schooner to the wharf were cut, resulting in extensive damage to the ship’s bowsprit when it slammed into the dock and a metal walkway. Tower said the department had yet to receive an estimate of the damage to the 90-foot-long schooner, but he expected it to be many thousands of dollars.

Tower said the boys also were implicated in slashing tires on seven cars on the same night. He said it was believed the boys also committed “other acts of criminal mischief” that night.