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Vandalism case solved: Teens arrested in connection with 25 incidents
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Marco Island Police solved a recent spree of vandalism to island homes.
One month after wrecking havoc on about two dozen island properties including homes, a city park and a nonprofit organization, two teens have been arrested and sent to juvenile detention for suspected connection to the felony counts of criminal mischief. They also face several counts of misdemeanors.
At least three youngsters are suspected to have caused thousands of dollars worth of property damage to 25 island properties during their weekly sprees.
Marco Island Police Chief Thom Carr said the department was initially attempting to “work with the parents” on the issue, however increased incidents recently led to the arrest of at least two of the teens. Police said a third juvenile was also suspected, but the information is not public because he is under age 14.
Dylan Gober and Kian McDonald, both 15, were arrested this week and taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Both face felony criminal mischief charges in connection to events that occurred between July 20 and Aug. 2 that left several residents without water for at least a day.
While police listed the total amount of damage as unknown, based on some homeowners’ reports, vandals caused at least $3,000 worth of damage to mailboxes, sprinkler systems, water pipes, lawn ornaments and exterior lights.
Carr said investigators were tipped off as to who the perpetrators of the crime were.
“These kids brag ... They told all their friends about it and even had a name for the event. They called it asshole night,” he said.
Officer Stephen Mariani said the damage to PVC water pipes caused the most inconvenience for the property owners who woke to find themselves without any water.
That is what happened to the home of Victor and Christine Ordija. They also reported damage to water pipes at the neighboring Winterberry Park.
“I hope these kids learn a lesson ... You also wonder what the parents are doing. These kids were out doing all this between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (The parents) have some responsibility in this too,” Victor Ordija said.

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They stole the name for the council meetings!
#1 Posted by Marcosnook03 on August 29, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, all the a-holes who have nothing better to do go to the council meetings and complain about everything.
#2 Posted by 27_Year_Resident on August 30, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The parents should be held responsible for every penny of repairs needed due to the actions of these two misfits. There are so many great hard working kids on this Island....these two dummies give them a bad name.
#3 Posted by hourigan82247 on September 2, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow...NDN won't allow the A word, filters from blogs and they print in a story= hypocrites.
The parents carry homeowners insurance. The victims should be able to file the claim through theirs and have it charged back to the parents of these little derelicts.
#4 Posted by justacitizen on September 3, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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