Las Cruces police have charged two teenagers – a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man – who are suspected of damaging the Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Park.
Bryce Richards, 16, and Marvin Reyes, 18, are charged with one count each of criminal damage to property. The charges are fourth-degree felony counts.
Shortly after 10 p.m. on May 16, someone called Central Dispatch to report kids or young adults damaging the Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Park. Las Cruces police officers arrived to find damage to the Huey helicopter that’s mounted high above the park and is part of the Vietnam War Memorial.
Damage to the helicopter included a cracked windshield, a shattered downward vision window and a broken search light. Damages were estimated at more than $5,000.
Investigators received several tips indicated Richards and Reyes were involved in the vandalism.
Investigators contacted Richards and Reyes who both acknowledged their involvement in damaging the helicopter. Reyes indicated they both threw rocks at the helicopter before running into an undeveloped property nearby as police arrived on scene.
Richards was given a Juvenile Class III Citation. Charges against Reyes have been submitted to Magistrate Court.
Richards and Reyes have not been arrested so no booking photos are available.
Information from Las Cruces Police.