Four 18-year-olds have been charged following a hate-related vandalism investigation in Smiths Falls.
Smiths Falls Police say graffiti was sprayed on the Town Hall bandstand and the Pride crosswalk at Beckwith Street North and Church Street West on May 28.
Police identified four suspects through security camera footage. James Parent of Carleton Place, Adam Loucks of Perth, Chase Metcalfe of Carleton Place and Tracker Hughes of Ashton have each been charged with one count of hate-related mischief over $5,000.
All four accused surrendered to police between May 29 and June 3 and were released with conditions and future court dates.
“Our officers worked quickly and diligently to find the males responsible for this hateful graffiti after they fled the area,” Chief Jodi Empey said in a statement.
“I want to make it clear that anyone who wishes to come to this town to destroy or deface any structures or cross walks, we won’t let you get away with it. I understand one of the males already wishes to make amends which is a positive first step. As it goes through the court process, I am hopeful for accountability, restitution and restorative justice for them to understand the impact this has on individuals living here and those who must repair or clean the graffiti. I’m thankful for Public Works and parks staff for cleaning this up quickly.” Chief Jodi Empey
Lanark County Interval House Executive Director Erin Lee said any act of hate makes the community less safe and accountability is critical.
