The incidents occurred between Thursday and Friday in Rehoboth. Troopers say the victims' property was spray-painted, and one victim's car and house had anti-gay sentiments spray-painted on.
The incidents occurred sometime between 9:30 p.m. on Thursday March 22nd and 7:00 a.m. on Friday March 23rd.
Police say one of the victims noticed a male suspect near his vehicle and was able to see him flee into a nearby residence. Upon inspecting his car, the victim saw his tail lights had been spray painted red.
The trooper was able to locate the two suspects in a residence close to where the crime occurred and place them in custody. Police say the two still had red paint on their hands and faces. More victims were located in the area of Fir Drive and Shady Ridge Drive that had red spray paint on their cars, house windows and fencing. One victim on Shady Ridge Drive had anti-gay sentiments spray painted on his automobile and along the front of his house.
The two teens were charged with one count of Hate Crime, Conspiracy 1st, Conspiracy 3rd, and six counts of Criminal Mischief under $1,000.00. They were arraigned at JP2 and released to the custody of a parent pending a Family Court hearing.
Because of the age of the suspects, no names or photos will be released.
If anyone has any information on this incident or any other similar incident, they are asked to contact Troop 7 at 302-644-5020 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
