During the early morning hours of June 5, 2013, Lee County sheriff’s deputies were proactively patrolling the Lee Boulevard business corridor when they encountered three juveniles acting suspiciously in the area of Hazelwood Avenue. During the encounter, the deputy noticed one of the juveniles had florescent green paint on his arm. Realizing the teens may be involved in recent vandalism (graffiti) to area businesses, the individuals were detained.
During subsequent interviews, information was developed linking the three juveniles to the recent vandalism at St. Raphael’s Church as well as recent incidents at Beef O’ Brady’s and Max’D Out Fitness. The following were arrested and charged:
Tyler Yates, charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief with Property Damage $1,000 or more.
James Willis, charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief with Property Damage $1,000 or more.
Shawn Elswick, charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief with Property Damage $1,000 or more.
The investigation is ongoing to determine if the three juveniles are responsible for other vandalism in the community