Authorities in Winder have arrested three suspects in connection with a string of recent vandalism incidents in the city.
The Winder Police Department announced on Thursday Lee Mason, 21, and Destineigh Vanwinkle, 17, both of Winder, were arrested and charged in connection with multiple incidents of vandalism. A 16-year-old male was also charged in the case.
The arrests came after the agency found multiple locations in the downtown Winder area had been vandalized early Monday morning. In addition, several citizens reported to the agency other locations had been vandalized in the nearby area. In total, more than a dozen locations had been spray painted with commercial-grade marking paint.
These locations included a new bridge on Wilkins Greenway, the Barrow County Historic Courthouse, the Historic Gainesville Midland Train and Depot, a church, numerous downtown businesses, the Winder Masonic Lodge and other properties.
All three suspects were charged with nine counts of interference with government property, six counts of criminal trespass and one count of criminal damage to property in the second degree. Drug possession and theft charges are also pending as a result of items located during the search warrants that Winder Police executed as part of the investigation.
Original story published Tuesday at 8:16 a.m.:
The City of Winder is asking for public help in finding those responsible for recent vandalism and graffiti.
The public works and public safety departments of the city are focusing on cleanup and investigative efforts across the city, at locations of overnight graffiti vandalism on Monday.
Public properties including the train depot, various concrete structures at the Wilkins Greenway and street signs were targeted.
Police are actively seeking any information that may lead to the identification of those responsible.
Anyone with information regarding the vandalism is asked to reach out via email at [email protected], or by phone at 770-867-2156
