Three teenagers were arrested by Morton police June 7 following a vandalism spree that left a number of businesses and residents no choice but to remove eggs and paintballs from their property.
Among the many targets, Morton Mayor Norm Durflinger's residence was hit, according to a Morton Police Department report.
Police arrested Troy A. Hirstein, 18, of 67 Sapphire, and two male juveniles, both 17 and both of Morton, after receiving a call from someone who reported witnessing the teens shooting paintballs from an SUV June 6, the report said.
Police responded near Idlewood and Fourth and followed the SUV in which the teens were driving. According to the report, the officer watched the SUV travel the opposite direction on the street before steering the vehicle back into the proper lane when the driver noticed the squad car. When the officer approached the vehicle, he reported smelling alcohol. The officer also noticed paint on one of the windows of the SUV. One of the juveniles later revealed a paintball gun that the officer reported as being recently used.
All three were administered breathalizer tests. Each one returned with results exceeding .08 BAC, the legal limit. Each were issued citations for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.
Police later learned through investigations with the individuals that the three were also responsible for a vandalism spree that occurred May 30. That was when they hit Durflinger's home along with several others in the area.
Among other targets were homes within Hyde Park, a Morton Community Bank sign, the Morton Police Department speed sign, and varying residences throughout Morton. Morton Park District director Gary Watson also told the Morton Times-News that the new sign at the Morton Family Aquatic Center was also hit with paintballs.
Watson said the park district was told to report any damage to the police department.
"It washed right off," Watson said. "But, it really stinks that they would do this to the new pool."
Hirstein admitted to throwing eggs while one of the juveniles admitting shooting the paintball gun. The other juvenile was only charged with illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor because he was reportedly just along for the ride. According to the report, the one of the juveniles said the eggs were purchased at the East Peoria Walmart.
Hirstein was arrested on four counts of criminal damage to property, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of theft less than $300 (for reportedly stealing a street sign). The other juvenile was arrested on six counts of criminal damage to property, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of theft.
