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Last updated on Sunday, April 14, 2013
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Six juvenile offenders have admitted to breaking out windows and spray painting vehicles after a concerned parent came forward with information that her son was involved in the vandalism.
Jack Rinehart, of RTV6 reports, the car vandalisms began March 18 and continued for nine consecutive days until a home security video caught the suspects in the Heartland Crossing subdivision smashing windows and spray painting cars.
"That's the thing. I asked all of them, why did you do this? The only answer I could get was just for fun," said Detective Matt Morgan, with the Metro police Southwest District.
The six juvenile offenders hit several residential areas on the city's far southwest side.
Police say that as many as 50 victims were targeted.
One victim, Kimberly Saylor, sold her car for scrap after the dealer told her it would cost $400 to fix her $500 car.
"I think none of them should ever be able to drive, ever," said Saylor. "That's just stupid. Why go around screwing up people's cars for no reason? I mean, no reason. I never did anything to them."
While some victims reported claims as high as $3,000 and $4,000, much of the damage fell right below their insurance deductibles, leaving the vast majority of the victims to pay for repairs from their own pockets.
"It doesn't matter if they're arrested, charged with anything, pay anything, pay anything back," said victim Jacqueline Dennis. "They're dumb and young. Kids will be kids."
In addition to all of the vehicles, police say the juvenile suspects also admitted to breaking out windows in several businesses.
Police say the amount of damage during the nine-day crime spree could exceed $40,000.
"The parents who came in with their wide-mouthed stares looking at me are inevitably the ones who will foot the bills for this," Morgan said. "These kids don't have 40-hour-per-week jobs. Unfortunately, they victimized not only the people whose cars they smashed out, now they've victimized their parents as well."
The suspects in these vandalisms face 29 separate counts, including some felonies.
The prosecutor's office is preparing summonses for their arrests.
Of the six juvenile offenders who've admitted to the crime spree, five aren't even old enough to get a driver's license.
To read more on this story visit http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/6-juveniles-admit-to-40k-9-day-vandalism-spree
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