HOWELL – A string of recent vandalism in the Point O’ Woods residential development off Bergerville Road climaxed with the arrest of two Howell 16-year-olds on September 26.
Howell Police said residents in the single-family condo and townhouse development were becoming troubled and police patrols in the area increased in an attempt to prevent future crimes and catch those responsible. The Point O’ Woods association management recently issued a letter to residents alerting them of “several profound acts of escalating vandalism and theft” and to call the police with any information.
The incidents, which took place in the timeframe of August 21 to 24 and on September 17, involved the teens allegedly breaking into the association’s maintenance garage, stealing a golf cart, then taking it for a ride and running over several neighborhood street signs. They also supposedly poured tar down a storm drain, tore street signs out of the ground, threw lawn ornaments onto rooftops and tossed outdoor furniture into the association’s community pool.
When the stolen golf cart was eventually located, found abandoned in a nearby mobile home community, it was severely damaged.
Detectives Eric Encarnacion, David Gilliland and TJ Hurley investigated the incidents and developed suspects that led to arrests of the two juveniles, who have since been released to their parents. The teens were charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief, and the case has now been forwarded to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Juvenile Division.
The investigation is still ongoing and more arrests are likely over the next few days. The Howell Police Department thanks members of the public who provided information and tips that helped solve these cases. Anyone wishing to provide an anonymous tip can do so via p3tips.com.
