Parkville Crime: Rec Center Vandalized, Defibrilators Stolen

Oakleigh Road, 7500 block. Between 10:30 p.m. May 26 and 8:23 a.m. May 27. Two defibrillators were stolen from the wall inside the Northeast Regional Recreation center.

During the burglary, several acts of vandalism were committed: ceiling tiles were destroyed as burglars unsuccessfully attempted to gain access to the center’s office. White paint was found dumped on the floor, a fire extinguisher was set off near the men’s room, a lock was cut from a vending machine and a faucet, soap dispenser and paper towel dispenser were torn from the wall of the men’s bathroom.

The stolen defibrillators and the damage caused to the building have a total value of $2,400 dollars.

Darlington Drive, 7100 block. At 11:55 p.m. May 26. A cell tower was set on fire. Police reports say that a witness saw a slim, dark-haired man, approximately 6 feet tall and 160 pounds wearing a lime green t-shirt inside the fenced-in cell tower area shortly before the blaze began.

An officer’s report says that the man got inside the fenced-in area and began to break apart the wooden fence, which he then stuffed into a hollow portion of the tower and laid outside the tower before setting it alight.

Police are investigating the fire as a second-degree arson.

Hillcrest Avenue, 2500 block. Between 2:30 p.m. May 25 and 6 p.m. May 28. A gun safe containing a 40-caliber pistol, and a shotgun were stolen from a home while the homeowner was away. Burglars tried to get into the home by prying open a back door but only succeeded in damaging it to the point it would no longer open. A second, successful attempt to get into the house was made through an unlocked bedroom window.