Tractor smashes through playgrounds

Karen Zekan

Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1999 | 10:32 a.m.

One teenager has been charged in a vandalism spree that caused $15,000 in damages to a public park and Garside Middle School.

Investigating authorities described the vandalism as having been caused by a "tractor joy ride." Other youths are suspected of having taken part in the early Saturday morning spree and the investigation is continuing.

The youths allegedly took the machine from a nearby construction site and drove it to Dexter Park, on Upland Boulevard near Charleston Boulevard. Larry Haugsness, assistant director of the city's public works department, said fencing, a small tree and a basketball goal were knocked down. Damage at the park was estimated at under $10,000.

The teens are believed to have driven the tractor about three quarters of a mile to Garside, where Clark County School District spokeswoman Lori Harris said a bike rack and tennis court fencing was knocked down. Turf also was damaged on a baseball field. Repairs at the school are estimated to cost about $5,000.

A citizen notified police shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday after finding the damage and the tractor up against a wall at the school, according to Officer Steve Meriwether, Metro Police spokesman. The Dexter Park damage was reported to police about 10 a.m. by a clean-up crew making its regular rounds.

An investigation into the crimes led to the arrest Sunday night of a man identified by authorities as Terry Sapp, 18. The charges against Sapp were damaging school property, loitering and malicious destruction of property, authorities said.

School Police are still investigating the other youths believed to have been involved in the incident.