Aug. 3, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 327

For more information, contact Chief Wayne Kline, Delaware State Parks Enforcement Section, 302-739-9220, or Joanna Wilson, Public
Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Suspects arrested on graffiti charges at White Clay State Park

A Pennsylvania man and a juvenile accomplice were arrested Aug. 1 by DNREC Park Rangers on charges of graffiti spray-painting a restroom at White Clay State Park.

Ronald J. Heath Jr., 22, of Peach Bottom, Pa., was charged with Graffiti to Real or Personal Property with Damage under $1,500 and Conspiracy Third Degree related to the incident. A juvenile in his company was charged with the same offenses. Heath was committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington after failing to post $4,000 cash bond. The juvenile subject was released to a parent.

The arrests were made after park rangers were called to the Nature Center parking lot at White Clay Creek State Park following a witness reporting that the two suspects had spray painted the interior of the men’s restroom building. The witness heard the discharge of aerosol cans in the restroom, then saw one of the suspects leave carrying a can of spray paint.

The witness took down the license plate of the suspects’ vehicle as they left the park and rangers later learned that the suspects were in the area visiting relatives. When the relatives were contacted and shown a picture of the graffitied restroom, they noted the similiarity to other drawings made by the suspect.

Damage to the restroom was estimated at $500 for removal of graffiti.

For more information, contact Chief Wayne Kline with DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation Enforcement Section at 302-739-9220.