In a press release from the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office made available last Thursday, a suspect has been identified in the spray-painting vandalism that occurred at the Botetourt Sports Complex at some time between the evening of June 13 and early morning of June 14.
Last week, information was obtained by detectives identifying a suspect in these incidents. Preliminary investigation suggests the suspect had become increasingly vocal and more focused on carrying out acts violence, according to the release. The suspect has been taken into custody and the investigation is ongoing. Currently, the suspect is not being identified due to the ongoing investigation. There is no immediate threat to the public and more details will be released as the investigation allows, the release went on to say.
A previous incident occurred last April involving “threatening statements” spray painted at the complex roadway. Botetourt County Deputy David Moyer shared last week that the department thinks both spray-painting incidents are linked to the same suspect.
“As a member of your Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, I am immensely relieved that the potential crisis at our government facility was successfully prevented by the incredible work of our Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office,” Botetourt County Board of Supervisors Chair Steve Clinton said in the release. “Ensuring the safety and security of our employees and citizens is our highest priority, and this incident has underscored the critical importance of our vigilance and preparedness. While I am relieved, I am also saddened that such an incident could have potentially occurred in Botetourt County. I extend my sincere appreciation to our Sheriff’s Department, whose quick and effective actions made all the difference.”
“While I support our citizens’ right to peacefully protest decisions made by our government, and the constitution protects those rights, it does not and cannot condone or tolerate acts of violence,” Sheriff Matt Ward added.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking any citizens who may have information related to the case or who may have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Sgt. Mioduszewski at 540-928-2252.
The release noted that this information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as detectives interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
