Two face charges after vandalism at Pearl City Park
PEARL, Mississippi — Two 18-year-olds face charges after vandalism at Pearl City Park that authorities estimate caused $2,000 in damage, the Pearl Police Department said.
Officers first encountered the suspects, identified as John Dearing and Ashton Maples, about 2:30 a.m. on March 15 while patrolling the park after hours, police said. Both were in possession of spray paint cans at the time and were released pending further investigation after officers did not find damage then, authorities said.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Division reported multiple instances of vandalism across the park on March 18, police said. Damaged property included a tennis and pickleball court, a fenced gate near a dumpster, a “No Trespassing” sign and a building at the Center City Baseball Complex, according to the department.
Investigators later identified Dearing as a suspect and took him into custody. He is being held on bond pending charges of malicious mischief and trespassing, police said. Maples remains at large and has active warrants with the city. Anyone with information on Maples’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Pearl Police Department at 601-939-7000 or submit a tip through Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-888-8CRIMES.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
