Published: 12/15/2021 12:41:25
Modified: 16/12/2021 06:26:04
RANDOLPH – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying two drivers who damaged the grounds of the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery while riding donuts in the snow.
“Frustratingly, they did it early in the morning of November 30 just after a snowfall and damaged it badly. For some reason they came back the next night and did similar acts,” said Sgt. says Jean-Miguel Bariteau. “Luckily they didn’t touch or damage the stones or anything like that.”
There were markers on the ground and “they almost ran over them, but they didn’t,” he added. The cemetery is located on Furnace Road, in an area with little traffic. It is maintained by the State of Vermont.
Bariteau said there were two vehicles involved and they caused approximately $3,000 in damage. Citing the ongoing investigation, he declined to discuss the evidence, including what investigators learned from the tire tracks. The damaged area will need to be reseeded and leveled.
The culprits may be charged with misdemeanors relating to property damage and vandalism, he said. Anyone with information is asked to call 802-685-4875. Callers do not have to identify themselves.
“It touches everyone when you talk about veterans, cemeteries and people who gave their lives to this country and to respect,” Bariteau said. “It’s not just the damage. It goes beyond. »
Recently, similar damage was reported in Randolph Town Forest and other areas of the city.
“I don’t know if it’s a new thing to do, but over the last few years… it seems to be something more prevalent this year,” said Bariteau, who added that it was the first time that he saw this trend in his 22 years in law enforcement. “It seems people who do this lack judgment, and maybe younger people.”
He also said not to assume that the people who did it were making any sort of statement by targeting the cemetery.
“Crossing a cemetery with vehicles is not a joyful ride,” Bariteau said. “This is unacceptable.”
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at [email protected] or 603-727-3221.
