Vehicles belonging to at least five separate law enforcement agencies were vandalized in Little Rock’s River Market area early Tuesday, and three teens suspected in the damage were arrested, police said.
The vehicles belonged to sheriff’s offices in Union, Crawford, Pope, Independence and Baxter counties, according to Little Rock police spokesman Mark Edwards.
A police report states the damage was discovered shortly before 3 a.m.
The vehicles were located off La Harpe Boulevard, Edwards said, adding that the vandalism happened outside the Arkansas Sheriffs Association 2021 Winter Conference. According to the association’s website, the conference is taking place at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel through Wednesday.
Police arrested three boys, ages 14, 15 and 17, in connection with the vandalism, according to the report.
Edwards said the arrested teens have each been charged with four counts of breaking or entering, four counts of theft of property, five counts of criminal mischief, and one count of fleeing.
A fourth minor was taken into custody but released without charges, police said.
Union County Sheriff Ricky Roberts said the back passenger window of Capt. Richard Mitcham’s police vehicle was broken out, but nothing was taken from inside. The window was already replaced by Tuesday afternoon at a cost of $174.11, he said.
“We may be reimbursed by the hotel’s insurance, but if not, we will seek restitution through the courts,” he said.
Caitlan Butler contributed reporting.