INDIANAPOLIS — Four Indianapolis teenagers accused of breaking into the Indiana statehouse late last month and vandalizing property inside caused more than $17,000 in damages.
That is according to a recently-concluded investigation conducted by Indiana State Police.
The suspects included three girls — aged 12, 13, and 14 — and one boy, aged 13. Preliminary charges have been presented to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office juvenile division, ISP says.
Police began their investigation after the suspects were discovered in the building by an Indiana State Capitol police officer shortly after 3:45 p.m. March 27, according to Indiana State Police.
The officer entered the building's north doors when he heard voices coming from the rotunda area. He then made his way toward the noises and heard people running toward, then out of a west door.
PREVIOUS | State police: Four juveniles caused 'significant damage' inside Indiana Statehouse
The officer then saw and chased the suspects onto Indiana Avenue south of Michigan Street, where they were taken into custody and later released to their parents.
Police discovered the teens had entered the building about 1:54 p.m. by breaking in through a west door on the second floor. Once inside, they sprayed the third floor of the House chambers with graffiti and damaged electronic items and other property.
They also threw a wooden bench from the third floor, shattering it, vandalized the Statehouse tour desk, damaged a sculpture at the tour desk, tampered with an art display on the second floor, and damaged miniature national and state flags on state representatives' desks inside the House chambers.
All four teens were interviewed by police with their parents present.
Each faces one count each of institutional criminal mischief, criminal trespass, theft, and resisting law enforcement.
-
University of Indianapolis launches new Behavioral Health Trauma certificate
The certificate specifically focuses on mental health professionals who plan to provide trauma counseling. It is obtained after three courses and nine total credit hours.
Josh Downs, Anthony Richardson team up to give Colts offense a jolt of energy
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs welcomed last week's announcement that Anthony Richardson would return as Indy's starting quarterback.
Barrett scores season-high 39 as Raptors snap losing streak, beat Pacers 130-119
Benedict Mathurin scored 17 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Pascal Siakam had 25 points and 10 rebounds against his former team as the Pacers lost for the third time in four games.
New era of college football could help other teams replicate Indiana's rise
Indiana has made the type of turnaround that had only happened once before at the power-conference level over the last decade.
