Concern Grows As Lakewood Properties Are Targeted
A large window is boarded up at a Lakewood apartment complex Tuesday. P-J photo by Timothy Frudd
The two suspects sought following a vandalism incident in Lakewood. Several properties were damaged late Monday and early Tuesday. Photo by Lakewood-Busti Police
A large window is boarded up at a Lakewood apartment complex Tuesday. P-J photo by Timothy Frudd
The two suspects sought following a vandalism incident in Lakewood. Several properties were damaged late Monday and early Tuesday. Photo by Lakewood-Busti Police
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LAKEWOOD -- Numerous village properties have been damaged in a vandalism spree that has drawn both concern and the ire of local residents.
Between Monday night and early Tuesday, at least five properties were targeted on the northeast side of Lakewood. Two suspects, captured on video next to a pool, are believed to be tied to a string of vandalism complaints going on about a month and are being sought by Lakewood-Busti Police for questioning.
The suspects appear to be youths or young adults, based on camera footage.
One of the attacks occurred early Tuesday in which rocks were throw at several windows. Two occupants were home at the time.
“A group of kids is terrorizing our village,” a resident told The Post-Journal on Tuesday hours after her home was damaged by several rocks. “It’s beyond vandalism -- it’s reckless. Someone is going to be seriously hurt or killed.”
One of the rocks thrown Tuesday morning entered a child’s bedroom, knocking over a doll house. The child was not home at the time the rock was thrown through the window.
“My other son was at home sleeping by a window,” the resident said. “It was by the grace of God they did not hit that window as well.”
Shortly before that, the two suspects were seen on surveillance near a pool. A rock was thrown at the camera, and damage was caused near the eaves of the home as well.
A nearby apartment complex also was targeted this week, with damage occurring to large windows above multiple front entrances.
Jarrett Reed, an investigator with the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, said the vandalism complaints began about two weeks after the school year ended. He believes the same two suspects involved in this week’s incidents are tied to three others reported in the last month.
“It is serious, and we would ask if you see anything suspicious to contact our office to try to end this,” said Reed, who noted the village does have a 10 p.m. curfew for those under the age of 16.
“If you see something, say something,” Reed said.
In late June, three 12-year-old youths were charged after liquor and a handgun were stolen from a residence near Chautauqua Lake. During the burglary, the youths also went for a swim in the homeowner’s pool.
Reed said the June incident is likely not connected to the vandalism spree, which largely involves rocks being thrown at windows.
Anyone with information on the vandalism is asked to contact Lakewood-Busti Police at 716-763-9563.