Westerly Police Arrest Teens Vandalizing Columbus Statue

Caught Trying to Damage Statue in Wilcox Park

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) –  Police in Westerly arrested two 16-year-old boys after officers caught them trying to damage a Christopher Columbus statue.

Police say it happened Sunday morning in Wilcox Park.  Officers witnessed them throwing rocks and then jumping on the statue’s platform.

The boys are from Pawcatuck and New London, Connecticut.  Both have been charged with damaging public statues and monuments.  The New London teen was also found to be carrying a five inch knife.  He was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon other than a firearm.

The teens were released into the custody of their parents.  Both cases are now in Rhode Island Family Court.