By Heather Collins
Three juveniles have been connected to criminal mischief at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel that caused $5,000 in damages, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Hamilton County parks personnel discovered the damage after the park had closed Aug. 1. Hamilton County Sheriff’s officers detained four juveniles discovered near the damaged property.
A Sheriff’s Office report states the juveniles are allegedly responsible for smashing decorative lights, pushing over benches and vandalizing signs throughout the park.
Investigators also are trying to determine if the incident is related to other vandalism reports during the last three months at Coxhall Gardens. In a press release, Allen Patterson, director of Hamilton County Parks, estimated the property had approximately $14,000 in damages this summer. Damaged and destroyed items included chairs, lights and plants.
The Hamilton County Parks Dept. declined to comment. The Sheriff’s Office said the case is under review by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
HCSO provides security to the county’s 12 parks. Security cameras are placed throughout the park to monitor the properties.
Anyone with information relevant to the Coxhall Gardens criminal mischief cases can contact HCSO at 317-773-1872.
