Teens nabbed in rash of vandalism, break-ins

Columbia Falls Police Chief Clint Peters said Friday that four teenagers have been charged in a rash of vandalism and car break-ins in Columbia Falls in the past few weeks.

Police have charged two 15-year-old males, a 16-year-old male and a 16-year-old female in a host of incidents, which included a burglary to a Nucleus Avenue business, spray-painted cars and numerous cases of car break-ins.

Because they are juveniles, their names were not released.

“Specifically, last Monday, multiple houses, cars, and other private property was spray painted causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage, at least a dozen private vehicles were entered and items stolen from inside, and a local Nucleus Avenue business was burglarized,” Peters said in a release.

People who may have been victims in this rash of incidents are urged to call police, Peters said.

“If any of our citizens had their property stolen from their vehicle, or had their property spray painted or damaged in any way, and you have not previously reported the incident, please contact the Columbia Falls Police Department so we can further our investigation and add your name to the long list of victims. You can contact us at (406) 892-3234 and speak to any of the on-duty officers to report these crimes,” he said.

Police pieced together the case using tips from the public and surveillance video. Peters thanked the public for their help.

“We strive to prevent these crimes with proactive patrols, but when they do occur, we also are dedicated to holding those individuals responsible for their actions. As always, we are proud to serve our community and thank all of you for your support,” he said.