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Erickson All-Sports Facility struck by vandals

PARKERSBURG -City police are on the hunt for two males who allegedly broke into and vandalized the concession stand and outbuildings at the Erickson All-Sports Facility.

About $6,000 in damage was done to doors, windows, appliances, cabinets and fire extinguishers.

“It is despicable,” said Wood County Schools assistant superintendent Mike Fling. “It’s frustrating. People work hard to put that stuff there and somebody comes through and decides to tear it up.”

The vandals gained access Sunday night. Fling said it was likely after 9 p.m. when he was called after an officer on patrol discovered an unlocked door.

Fling went to lock the door and made sure everything else was secured.

“This all happened after that,” he said. “We are thinking they were probably there and left.”

A custodian found the damage Monday morning and contacted the school, which instructed him to call 911.

In addition to the structural damage, numerous items such as food, drinks and football equipment were taken. Much of the equipment was recovered.

Fling said investigators believe at least two people were involved in the destruction.

“It’s an awful lot of damage and things moved around to have been done by one person,” he said.

Parkersburg Police Sgt. Greg Collins said detectives and the crime scene technician are processing physical evidence and video surveillance footage from the scene.

A photo of one suspect has been released to the public. Collins said at least two young, white males appear in the surveillance footage.

“Identification efforts are underway at this time,” he said.

Late Monday night the Parkersburg South Football Facebook page posted a still photo from surveillance footage.

“Anyone recognize this kid. He’s one of the kids that broke into the football equipment room stealing equipment and stealing from and trashing the concessions at the Erickson Stadium. Please send a private message if you do.”

Collins said anyone with information regarding this crime should contact Detective T.A. Davis or any member of the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-8444.

Anonymous tips can be left at www.parkersburgpolice.com.

“We want someone arrested,” Fling said. “And if we can press charges and have enough information and evidence I hope we follow through.”

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