NORCO, La. (WGNO) – Investigators in St. Charles Parish are searching for vandals who targeted the Norco Ball Field.
For the second time this year someone has shot out the fluorescent lights.
WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter talked to neighbors fed up about the ongoing problem.
“There’s so many things that these kids could be doing that’s a little bit more productive than running around being mischievous,” business owner Michael Haydel said.
If anyone should be frustrated to hear about another wave of vandalism in Norco it’s business owner Michael Haydel.
Last December, someone used a high-powered pellet gun to shatter windows at his furniture store.
Not once, not twice, but about four times and just weeks apart.
“It gets a little frustrating because everyone’s trying to do the best they can. When you got somebody that does something like that it hurts.”
The most recent case is out at the Norco Ball Field.
For the second time this year someone has shot out the fluorescent lights.
“History tells us, it’s probably juveniles. It doesn’t necessarily mean it is, but it’s probably juveniles playing with pellet guns or BB guns,” St. Charles Parish Spokesman Captain Patrick Yoes said.
The lights are attached to poles that stand about 50-feet high.
Given the equipment needed to replace the lights, repairs will again cost the parish 6-thousand dollars.
Detectives aren’t taking the felony offense lightly.
“No, not at all in fact the last time they did it we were able to track it down. We asked for the public’s help and phone calls started coming in and it didn’t take us long to develop suspects and make two arrests,” Yoes added.
The wave of vandalism last December sweep across several businesses and homes.
The problem was so bad St. Charles Parish investigators offered the new Xbox to anyone with information leading to an arrest.
“I just hope at some point whether it’s the parents or the community gets together and let these kids know this is not the right thing to do,” Haydel said.
The most recent case of vandalism not only costs the parish money; it also hurts recreation programs.
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office (985) 783-6807.