By:Donna Lukiw
Two juveniles have been charged with 30 counts of criminal mischief committed throughout Somerset and Middlesex counties on April 28.
The pair, a 17-year-old boy from Manville and a Bridgewater resident who recently turned 18 but whose name is being withheld by police, were charged with possession of a slingshot, a prohibited weapon, among the many charges.
According to Prosecutor Wayne Forrest, numerous victims and witnesses reported that the juveniles used the slingshot to propel metal objects through the windows of homes, businesses and cars throughout various towns in Somerset and Middlesex counties.
Police began receiving complaints of damage in Manville, Bridgewater, Somerville, Green Brook, Bound Brook, Hillsborough and Middlesex Borough beginning in January. Throughout January and February, police in these towns received numerous complaints of broken windows and often found large metal bolts in the vicinity of the broken glass.
The investigation led by Manville Detective Michael Guilbert was assisted by a report from one of the juvenile’s former employer, an owner of a gas station on Finderne Avenue in Bridgewater.
The owner reported that a window at the gas station had been broken and suspected that his former employee was responsible since he had recently been fired from the gas station and had been known to carry a slingshot with him in the past.
In addition to the weapons charges for fourth-degree possession of the slingshot, each juvenile is charged with 30 counts of criminal mischief including 16 counts of criminal mischief in a disorderly persons offense, 12 counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, one count of fourth-degree possession of a prohibited weapon and one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
Damage to the 30 homes and businesses total more than $18,000.
The first appearance in court for the two is set for May 13.
If anyone has any information or was a victim of the criminal mischief should contact Detective Guilbert at 725-1000 or the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tips Line at 1-888-577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
