Vandals pound Westwood, again: Night-time stakeout produces three arrests
Railroad track surveillance led to charges against three local teens who reportedly used the tracks lying between West Riverside and Westwood as a path to commit various crimes ranging from vandalism to burglary.
The suspects, ages 14 through 16, are charged in juvenile petitions alleging burglary, theft and vandalism for incidents at General Shale, B&P Lamp Supply and the old Powermatic building. Their names have not been released by police due to their status as juveniles.
The charges were brought after McMinnville police investigator Mike Vann set up surveillance on the railroad track behind Powermatic and General Shale, suspecting the youths were using the track to walk from their homes in West Riverside to the site of the crimes. The stake-out was rewarded when Vann spotted one of the youths on the tracks and stopped him for questioning. At that point, the teen reportedly implicated himself and his alleged partners in crime, leading to charges against the three.
The crimes included a recent break-in at General Shale, where change was taken from vending machines and gumball machines. During the General Shale break-in, the youths reportedly used bricks to gain entry by smashing out a window. During their visit, the youths also stole two two-way radios. Total loss in the General Shale break-in is estimated at $1,330.
In addition to the General Shale crime, the youths are charged with vandalizing a truck outside B&P Lamp Supply. Lawmen contend the youths busted a windshield and lights off a company truck parked outside the business. Loss is estimated at $750.
The teens are also charged with breaking out numerous windows at the former Powermatic building.
According to McMinnville police Capt. Bryan Denton, the surveillance of the railroad tracks was a calculated plan since the tracks have been used several times in the past by young vandals, including last year when eight youths were charged with breaking into General Shale. The tracks are a close link between West Riverside and Westwood.