Cheyenne Teens Cited for Vandalizing Parking Garage

Two 14-year-old Cheyenne boys were cited for vandalism after police caught them spray painting the Jack R. Spiker Parking Facility.

Police spokeswoman Alex Farkas says officers were called to the parking garage around 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, after one of the teens was seen on the top floor spray painting profane characters on a wall.

"As officers arrived, the male attempted to flee on his bicycle but crashed into a structural pillar and was detained by another officer," said Farkas.

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"The male had a can of spray paint in his possession and paint on his hands," she added.

Farkas says the other teen was pursued and detained to the west of the parking garage.

Farkas says officers have conducted 262 security checks within the parking garage so far this year, 66 more than were performed throughout 2021. They have also conducted 100 field interviews and four traffic stops.

"We have surpassed last year’s numbers in the first five months of this year, we are paying attention,” said Chief Mark Francisco.

"The problem is, being there at the right time is like finding a needle in a haystack," Francisco added. "That is why security camera systems and the watchful eyes of community members are so important.”

Police have also increased their use of social media because of its immediacy and effectiveness in identifying property crime suspects.

“Some of the best vandalism cases we have solved are a direct result of community engagement and camera footage," said Francisco.

"The fantastic thing about this town is that if we can get a picture of someone and put it on social media, it barely hits the internet, and someone is letting us know who it is," he added.

Francisco says the department is looking into better ways to monitor certain areas that see more crime or vandalism.

“We want to thank the public for their assistance on our social media channels regarding this issue," he said. "Our community partnerships play an important role in keeping the citizens of Cheyenne safe.”

Police encourage folks to contact dispatch at (307) 637-6525 if they see something suspicious.

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