The Erie County Sheriff's Department is investigating some costly incidents of vandalism at Chestnut Ridge Park. Park employees working to prepare the park for the season on Thursday discovered smashed windows, doors, toilets, sinks and other bathroom accessories at two comfort stations. They contacted the Sheriff's Department, which has begun an investigation. Damage is estimated at $15,000.
“They busted out concrete, the glass block windows, and they smashed every fixture, and they seem to have used probably a sledgehammer to do it," said Deputy Erie County Parks Commissioner Greg Olma.
Olma says vandalism is not uncommon in county parks.
"A lot of things that people wouldn't do in their own homes or on public streets, they seem to feel free to do in parks. We're constantly dealing with graffiti, illegal acts [and] damages such as this," said Olma. "Luckily, they didn’t get to the pipes, so it’s going to be a little easier to fix it.”
Olma says the area in Orchard Park has been closed for the winter, but is largely used by snowmobilers. The park is currently preparing for the official opening of the summer season. Olma says the vandalism won’t cause any delays, but will make for extra work in a busy time of year.
Buffalo Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects. All calls to 867-6161 are anonymous.
