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Investigation of Monterey vandalism continues
BY JAMES JACENI CH • STAFF WRITER
 | | The Highland County Sheriff's Office is investigating a rash of vandalism in Monterey occurring during the night of March 29-30. The broken traffic mirror at the intersection of Water St. and Mill Alley costs $138 to replace. The town placed the mirror at the intersection to warn drivers of traffic coming around Morning Glories and Moonflowers.(Recorder photo by James Jacenich) |
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MONTEREY - Sunday night, March 30, someone damaged mailboxes, signs, a traffic safety mirror, electrical power boxes and an air conditioner in Monterey along Mill Alley and Main Street and north along Potomac River Road. The reports to the Highland County Sheriff's officestarted coming in around 6:30 a.m. By then, 14 businesses and residences were affected.
Presumably, few were awake before dawn to witness the events, but some have since spoken up. In Monterey, neighbors watch out for neighbors. Little goes on without notice in Virginia's smallest incorporated town.
One of the more visible signs of damage is the broken mirror at the intersection of Mill Alley and Water Street. The town put up the mirror to protect motorists at the blind intersection, giving them ample warning of approaching vehicles coming around the corner.
The sheriff's officehas spent more than 150 hours investigating the case, with deputy David Neil taking the lead. The sheriff and all the deputies are helping with the investigation, following up on leads, taking tips, and gathering clues.
One piece of evidence that Lightner wouldn't identify while the investigation is ongoing was sent to the lab to see if fingerprints could be found.
Lightner says his officecan't solve this case without public assistance, however. He says criminal investigations are a slow and methodical process of gathering evidence and witness statements. The case has to be made compelling enough for the court to finda person guilty.
Maybe there are people who saw something that they didn't think was important and haven't bothered to call in, and Lightner urges those who may know something to contact his office.
Lightner says he's not ready to make an arrest, though he interviewed a number of people about the damage. "We are looking at all the possible suspects there could be," he said.
Lightner said vandalism isn't new to Highland. In the past couple of years, vandals damaged around 60 mailboxes on Routes 614 and Route 654. Those responsible were eventually arrested.
"We're hoping for a break in this case this week," Lightner says. "But sometimes it takes a while."
Lightner says his officesolves 34 percent of its cases, which is higher than the national average. "Major crimes we solve because of the help of the public," he said.
Monterey business owner and board of supervisors member David Blanchard says he hasn't changed his behavior since the rash of vandalism occurred. He's confidentthose responsible will be caught and that the night of mischief is not part of a pattern. But he worries about the slight chance that things will get out of hand if it isn't contained now, he says.
So far, it's just one night of seemingly random violence. Citizens, Lightner said, can help make sure it stays that way.
Anyone with information concerning the destruction of property in Monterey (on the morning of Sunday, March 30 between 5:30-6:30 a.m. and possibly earlier) should call Lightner or Deputy Neil at the sheriff's officeat (540) 468-2210.
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