Individuals responsible for at least one of the two recent incidents of vandalism at Bridgeport City Park have confessed to the acts, according to Bridgeport Police PFC Jamie Hamrick. The confessions are related to the April 2 discovery of destroyed property and profanity-laced graffiti on buildings and natural objects at the recreational facility.

 

“We have three confessions. They are all juvenile males,” said Hamrick. “They confessed to part of the vandalism that was done with white paint that was stolen from a storage shed that was broken into.”

 

The reason the confessions are for “part of” the incident as opposed to the entire incident is that the April 2 issues took place both during the day and evening hours. Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton confirmed that back on April 3 when working with Hamrick to try and see who was responsible for the damage and filing the initial police report.

 

Due to the fact that the individuals were juveniles, Hamrick could only be brief on the details. She did say all three of those that confessed were from Bridgeport. Whether they were the three individuals that were spotted by eyewitnesses during an afternoon walk at City Park earlier this month is unknown. However, Burton said at the time there were witnesses doing a loop around the trail that didn’t notice the graffiti on their first trip, but clearly saw it on their second trip around the trail and also spotted three individuals.

 

The call for the afternoon incident was prior to school being let out. Burton placed the call he received that day alerting him about the situation at roughly 2:20 p.m.  Later that night, or perhaps on Friday, April 3, a second wave of vandalism took place at City Park. More damage was done to storage buildings this time, while graffiti was painted on the public restrooms. The repairs have since been made and the graffiti removed.

 

“The evening case is still under investigation,” said Hamrick.

 

Ironically, Hamrick said the two cases do not appear to be completely related.

 

“It is a rather unique set of circumstances, and I can’t rule out the fact that they may know who was involved in it, but I do not believe they were actively involved with the second incident,” said Hamrick.

 

Also with juvenile cases, Hamrick is unable to disclose the actual or potential source of punishment. She did say it would likely be found satisfactory by those impacted due to the incident.

 

“If anyone has any information on this situation they can call the police department. You don’t have to leave your name if you don’t want to, but we always appreciate help from the public,” said Hamrick.

 

Editor's Note: Part of the damage done at City Park is shown in the photos above during the early April vandalism incidents.

 

Individuals can call the Bridgeport Police tip line at 304-842-6149.