LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Four kids between the ages of 10 and 14 years old are in custody at Clark County Juvenile Detention Center, and another was arrested, all accused by authorities of throwing rocks at cars driving on the freeway and causing serious damage.
Nevada Highway Patrol says troopers were called out to the area of the Torrey Pines Drive overpass on the US-95 at least three times between April 24 and April 30 after reports that rocks were being thrown at cars.
Each time they were called, troopers discovered at least one damaged vehicle - but no suspects.
NHP says someone whose vehicle was hit by the rocks shared a distinguishing characteristic of one of the suspects, which made him easily identifiable.
Other witnesses, NHP says, identified some of the kids, who were seen jumping fences near the freeway.
On May 8, troopers interviewed the kids believed to be involved in the rock-throwing incidents. On May 25, all five were arrested. Four remain in custody.
Troopers say each child arrested was facing 27 to 32 felony counts with 25 vehicles damaged in total.
Damages ranged from body dents to broken windshields and sunroofs.
Two drivers had something go through their windshield and hit them while driving, NHP says.
No serious injuries were reported.
In a statement regarding the investigation, Trooper Jason Buratczuk said:
The Nevada Highway Patrol cannot stress enough how serious and dangerous this type of criminal activity is on our freeways. These juveniles’ actions easily could have caused serious bodily injury and/or death. Luckily all the victims involved escaped serious injury but their property is now damaged. Parents need to know if your minor child is caught doing this type of criminal activity it’s the parents who are going to be held financially responsible for the damages and the juveniles will be arrested. With the current situation around the country with schools and after school activities closed, parents need to know where and what their children are doing.
