Boynton Beach Police are investigating vandalism to the Ezell Hester Jr. Community Center on Monday afternoon that caused more than $30,000 in damage.
A witness told police that she was sitting on the porch of her home around 3:30 p.m. when she saw 4-5 black male juveniles climbing out of a window from the press box in a building adjacent to the football field.
She ran toward the suspects, who grabbed their backpacks and fled on foot toward Seacrest Boulevard when they saw her.
Investigation revealed that the suspects completely ransacked the press box, destroying multiple trophies, trophy cases and shelves. It is believed that helmets and football jerseys were stolen, but detectives are waiting on a complete inventory to determine exactly what was taken.
The suspects also shattered 11 new hurricane impact windows that had just been replaced due to vandalism at the same location on April 25. In that case, rocks were used to smash six windows in the press box and five windows in the concession stand, causing $25,000 worth of damage.
Detectives said the juveniles spent a significant amount of time trying to break the windows again on Monday as they counted 98 points of impact from rocks.
“It is disheartening to know that this damage was caused by youth, who are the very ones we encourage to take advantage of the activities we provide at this community center,” said Lori LaVerriere, Boynton Beach City Manager. “We urge anyone with information about who caused this costly destruction to please notify our police department.”
The suspects are believed to be 13-16 years of age. Some were shirtless and some wore football jerseys. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Det. Peter Zampini at 561-732-8116 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS. You can remain anonymous. Tips can also be submitted via our MyPD app and www.bbpd.org.