FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9
The Sterling Police Department has arrested and charged two
individuals with several counts of Wanton Destruction of Property stemming from
multiple incidents of vehicles being hit with paint balls. Officers arrested
Nicholas J. Kobus age 20 of 681 Pleasant St Leominster and a 16 year-old
juvenile in connection with the vandalisms. Both individuals were taken into
custody in the vicinity of 300 Leominster Rd (Route 12) in Sterling. Shortly
after 8 PM Monday evening the Sterling dispatch center began to receive calls
from motorist reporting their vehicles being struck by objects on Route 12.
Officer Timothy Plouffe responded and met with a motorist who reported an
incident to him. As Officer Plouffe was taking the report several other motorist
approached him and relayed similar complaints. At least four motorists reported
being struck by these objects. Additional units were dispatched to the area and
began a search of the wooded area. Using night vision goggles the above
individuals were located in the wooded area adjacent to Route 12. Both subjects
were taken into custody and charged with the destruction of property as well as
disorderly conduct and conspiracy. The paint ball gun suspected of being used
was also confiscated. The police are asking anyone who may have had their
vehicle struck and damaged in this area on Monday 9/10/07 to contact them at
978-422-7331. Officers investigating the case are in addition to Officer Timothy
Plouffe, are Sergeant Sean Gaudette
and Officer Lane Depatsy.