Police charge teenagers suspected of vandalizing Vietnam War Memorial

Las Cruces police charged two teenagers suspected of damaging the Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Park.

Investigators charged 16-year-old Bryce Richards and 18-year-old Marvin Reyes with one count each of criminal damage to property.

Police said Richards was given a Juvenile Class III Citation. Charges against Reyes have been submitted to Magistrate Court. The teenagers have not been arrested, therefore, no mugshots are available.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on May 16, 2018, police received a report of teens or young adults damaging the Vietnam War Memorial at Veterans Park. Las Cruces police officers arrived to find damage to the Huey helicopter mounted high above the memorial.

Police said damage to the helicopter included a cracked windshield, a shattered downward vision window and a broken search light. Damage to the memorial is estimated at more than $5,000.

Investigators received several tips indicated Richards and Reyes were involved in the vandalism.

Investigators contacted Richards and Reyes, and both teenagers allegedly admitted they damaged the helicopter. Reyes indicated they both threw rocks at the helicopter before running into an undeveloped property nearby as police arrived on scene.