Vandals caught in Japanese garden crime

Suspects still being sought in summer vandalism damage

MOSES LAKE — A pair of 16-year-old boys have had reports filed against them, connected to damages Oct. 7 at the city's Japanese Peace Garden.

Two donated Japanese-style lanterns inside the garden were damaged Oct. 7, soon after their installation. The lanterns were gifts from representatives of Moses Lake's sister city of Yonezawa. According to the Moses Lake Police Department, the damage has since been repaired.

MLPD Sgt. David Sands said several pieces of evidence fell together to draw MLPD officers to the suspects. The case is at the Grant County Prosecutor's Office for review, but Sands said charges have not yet been filed. The teens could face charges of second-degree malicious mischief for the vandalism.

The incident was the most recent crimes involving damages to the Japanese Peace Garden. The garden was temporarily closed after initial damages in June. Sands said the MLPD is still seeking information on the first incident.

— Staff report