CASEY, Il (WTWO/WAWV) — Graffiti and litter were some of the first things volunteers saw at Warrior Field in Casey, Illinois earlier this week. Now, an investigation is underway and community members are looking for answers.
On Monday, around 8.a.m., authorities say they were told parts of a dugout had been spray painted and garbage had been dumped across parts of the field.
Though the graffiti has been cleaned up, many parents and coaches are in disbelief and call these incidents, “far and few in between.”
According to Casey Westfield Police Department Chief, Adam Henderson, many leads are being worked, but there are no suspects at this time. He adds authorities believe happened overnight Sunday.
These are the photos of the graffiti, courtesy of Toby and Audra Taylor:
Head Coach Dalton McFarland says it’s disheartening that someone would damage a place kids love.
“It’s an unfortunate event that somebody would do that. But, it’s something out of our control as a program and as a community. We can’t control what anybody else does. It was a shock and upsetting to several people,” McFarland said.
Among those upset is local mother, Sierra Duvall. Her daughter is on the softball team.
“It’s nerve wrecking and kind of scary that they did come and vandalize this and vandalized the property. Especially with so many kids around, I hope this doesn’t happen again.” Duvall said. “I hope they find whoever did this.”
This incident is being investigated as criminal damage to property. Punishment can range from a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the damage value.
Duvall says she hopes more measures can be taken to protect the city and it’s residents.
“We have a lot of good things out here, seeing maybe more patrols out here would help. This happened overnight so none of us were here, but I’d feel better about extra precautions being taken,” Duvall added. “Cameras or something, I know other parents are here and they keep a lookout for all of the other kids as well. But, maybe tighter security measures,”
Agreeing with her is Coach McFarland.
“It’s something we’re discussing. What this incident shows is you have to be cautious of things. You want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but you have to be careful,” He said.
When asked about the possibility of extra patrols in the area, Chief Henderson said the CPD would be “very willing to do so.”
Despite the vandalism, Coach McFarland adds as soon as this incident was reported many community members went to the field to help clean up.
If you have any information about this investigation, you’re asked to call the Casey Police Department, those numbers are 217-932-2800 and 217-330-5656.
