On the night of Friday, December 13, three vandals were caught in the act of damaging the skate park at City Park in Hurricane by surveillance cameras.
Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards posted videos of the act and photos of the three young men on his Facebook page on Monday morning (December 16). In his post Edwards stated that the City would be pressing charges and asked the public to identify the individuals involved. Within two or three hours, the three turned themselves into the Hurricane Police Department.
The extent of the damage has yet to be determined. Assistant City Manager Amanda Ramey said the City has reached out to the contractor which built the skate park to assess the damage and submit recommendations. Ramey reported that at least two of the individuals were from the local community.
As of Tuesday morning (December 17), more than eighty individuals had responded to Edwards’ postings. The flavor of the response is captured in the following quotations.
“It’s great to hear that everyone involved has turned themselves in; accountability is important.”
“Need six months to a year in jail 10 times what the damage was in fines, each and six months community service. Make the punishment suit the crime.”
“Each should pay for the repairs. Plus maybe community service every weekend for a year.”
“Everyone giving them their sentences before they’ve gotten their finger prints taken.”
“I hope they aren’t from Hurricane!!! Be a good time to be on the jury!!! I hope they get the strongest sentences they can give them.”
“It’s disgraceful that grown men would stoop so low as to destroy a skate park meant for kids, showing a complete lack of respect for their community. Instead of building something meaningful with their lives, they’ve chosen to tear down what others worked hard to create.”
“He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
“Like DEP .BARNEY FIFE says nip it in the bud.”
“Good for them for showing some responsibility by turning themselves in. It doesn’t make up for the irresponsibility of doing what they did, but it’s a start.”
Analysis
The action of the three young adults (damaging the skate park), while seemingly thoughtless, was not without intent. What was done was done for a reason. Why does vandalism occur?
This is the question which the Breeze asked Google AI. Google said: “Young adults might perform random acts of vandalism due to a complex mix of factors including: a desire for recognition, expressing frustration or rebellion, peer pressure, boredom, a thrill-seeking mentality, lack of supervision, a sense of powerlessness, trying to fit in with a group, or simply not understanding the consequences of their actions; often stemming from underlying issues like anger management problems or mental health concerns.”
The three individuals did not know that their act was recorded. They did not expect to be caught. They made a mistake.
All mistakes have consequences. While the three cannot undo their wrong, they can address the personal issues which prompted them to act in an unwise manner.
