LATHAM – Colonie police arrested two 13-year-old boys on Tuesday, Nov. 22 in connection with vandalism and graffiti discovered at the Forts Ferry Elementary School on October 29.
After an investigation, police determined that two juveniles were responsible for causing the damage and drawing the graffiti. The damage consisted of a broken glass window, caused by small rocks which were thrown at the window.
According to police, The graffiti consisted of a racial slur and phallic symbols, which were drawn on school windows/doors with a chalk-like substance. The drawings were easily removed, and caused no permanent damage.
It appears that this incident was opportunistic, as the items used to cause the damage appear to have been found on the school property by the juveniles.
Police said both juveniles involved do not live in Colonie, and do not have any connection to any North Colonie schools. They were visiting an adult associate, who happens to live near the school, when the incident occurred. There is no evidence to suggest that anyone specifically was the target of this vandalism. Both subjects were arrested and charged with criminal mischief, a felony, and making graffiti, a misdemeanor. The boys will appear in Albany County Family Court.
“The Police Department is thankful to the North Colonie Central School District for their on-
going partnership, and for their assistance and patience while this investigation was conducted.
Together, we recognize how harmful acts like these can be, and we are glad to be able to hold
those responsible accountable for their actions,” police said in a statement. “All parties responsible for this incident have been identified and arrested, and the Colonie Police
Department considers this matter closed.”
They did however say that if residents know something that might be relevant to this investigation, please contact the Colonie Police Investigations Division at 518-783-2754 or wish to report a tip anonymously,they can call Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 1-833-ALB-TIPS, or go to capitalregioncrimestoppers.com.
