Seven arrests in vandalism, thefts

MEXICO — Six teenage boys and an adult have been arrested in connection with vandalism and thefts totaling more than $5,000 from a River Road salvage yard Friday night.

Sgt. Roy Hodsdon said Andrew Collins, 24, Waldo Street, Rumford, was arrested on Thursday on charges of theft, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Also arrested on Thursday were a 14- and a 17-year-old from Rumford on two counts of aggravated criminal mischief, two counts of criminal trespass and two counts of theft. A 13-year-old from Mexico was charged with aggravated criminal mischief, criminal trespass and theft.

Arrested in the same case Wednesday were a 17-year-old from Rumford and a 13-year-old from Mexico on two counts of aggravated criminal mischief, two counts of criminal trespass and two counts of theft. Another 17-year-old from Rumford was charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass and theft.

Hodsdon said investigations are continuing and further arrests may be made.

Collins was transported to the Oxford County Jail from which he had been out on bail on a charge of domestic assault. He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 3. Custody of the juveniles was given to their parents, and their cases will be turned over to a juvenile corrections officer. A court date of Dec. 8 was set.

Hodsdon said more than a dozen salvage vehicles had windows and headlights smashed, and other damage at Dupuis' Auto Salvage and Towing. A golf cart was also damaged, and attempts were made to steal a vehicle parked near the business' building. Among the stolen items were several CD players and keys.

Officer Dan Carrier responded to a call Friday night from a passer-by reporting seeing boys riding bicycles in front of the salvage yard. Identification of three boys led to interviews and further investigation by Hodsdon.

Hodsdon worked with Rumford Police Department Sgts. Dan Garbarini and Jaime Bernard.

eadams@sunjournal.com