Teen to perform community service for his alleged part in Bringle Lake graffiti

TEXARKANA, Texas - A 17-year-old who was initially investigated for his alleged involvement in painting graffiti at Bringle Lake Park almost two weeks ago is slated to perform four hours of community service, a city spokesman said.

"Essentially, if he will complete the four hours of community service working with a Parks and Recreation crew at Bringle Lake Park, the charge criminal mischief over $100 will not be pursued," said Shawn Vaughn, Texarkana, Texas, Police Department spokesman.

The boy's family declined comment Thursday.

The 17-year-old's agreement to community service is not his admission of wrongdoing, Vaughn said.

"This is not part of plea deal. This is an arrangement with the city and the young man that he complete, for us not pursuing charges," Vaughn said. "The DA is not involved, the court is not involved."

No arrest warrant was issued for the 17-year-old, Vaughn said.

Vaughn said the city's Parks and Recreation director reached out to the boy to offer the community service option.

"This allows him to avoid a criminal record and also allows the city to benefit from him helping make Bringle Lake a better place," Vaughn said.

For several months, a grassroots effort has been under way to make an art park at Bringle Lake.

Sometime between the afternoon of Oct. 19 and the morning of Oct. 20, someone used some of the group's painting supplies to paint other images, including names.

Shortly after that, Vaughn said the 17-year-old made a post on his Instagram account that included a picture of the vandalism with his name and Instagram handle.

Others on social media saw the post and indicated they were contacting the police, Vaughn said.

Then, the boy went to police and was interviewed.

Because he is 17, he is considered an adult, according to Texas law, Vaughn said.

In addition to the 17-year-old, police were also investigating two minors in connection with the vandalism.

"There was not enough evidence to show what the two minors did or did not do. It was pretty straightforward with the 17 year old," he said, referring to the Instagram post.

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