Juvenile Arrested in Criminal Damage Incidents in Effingham

A 16-year-old juvenile from Effingham has been arrested in connection with three separate cases of Criminal Damage to Property in the Effingham area since May. Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigations made the arrest on Tuesday.

The juvenile was released to parents on a Notice to Appear.

In May, Officers received reports of two vehicles damaged while parked near the Lincoln Land Building. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. Additionally, in late November, spray-painted graffiti was discovered on multiple buildings and outbuildings in the 900 block of W. Virginia and the 400 block of N. Mulberry. Total property damage is estimated at well over $3,000.00.

“Solid, old-fashioned, police work led to an arrest in this case. The Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Community Policing Office canvassed neighborhoods and developed information leading to the arrest. The public shared information, and in the end, hard work and cooperation between the police and the community resulted in these cases being solved,” praised Chief of Police Jeff Fuesting. He added, “We are still furthering our investigation into other property damage complaints that have been filed to see if there are additional connections to this juvenile or associates.”

To report further information on this or any other crime, please contact Effingham Police Department at 217-347-0774. If you wish to remain anonymous call CRIMESTOPPERS at 217- 347-6583