A recent spate of vandalism has taken place at Paulding’s LaFountain and Reservoir Parks. Paulding Village workers have been busy cleaning up the mess of words that were burnt into the wood at the LaFountain Park. The defacing of the playground equipment is currently being investigated by the Paulding Police Department. Paulding Police Chief, Randy Crawford, stated, “We are still investigating this incident and when we find out who did this, we will press charges”. Paulding Village Administrator, Dale Goebel, gave the following statement, “If anyone has any information about the recent vandalism in Paulding Village Parks please contact the Paulding Village Police Department.”
The first offense was reported on Tuesday, July 7 and posted on the Paulding County Ohio Village Parks and Rec Facebook page, “Unfortunately, today we were sent messages from a concerned parent with these pictures [see above]… This was found at the LaFountain Park… it is BURNED into the wood! I have not ONE word to fully explain my/our DISGUST! WE WILL NOT TOLERATE vandalism, and then to add RACISM and HATE on top of it. It has been reported to the PD which they are taking a look at. If you have ANY answers, or helpful tips please call Paulding PD, or message this page.”
The next day, Wednesday, July 8, there was more graffiti found on the storage building and the dugout at the Reservoir Park near the Water Plant.
It has been speculated by some that it may be the same person who is trying to create problems in the community in light of the crisis happening in larger cities around the nation. However, at this time Paulding Police have not released any suspects or camera footage.
From peaceful protests to looting and rioting, there have been disturbances across this great nation. Many business owners, from all walks of life, have lost their life’s savings and livelihood due to the unrest in some areas. It has been reported that business liability insurance will not cover damages caused from riots and looting which makes the blows that much harder to endure.
Paulding had a “Perfect Peaceful Protest”, according to pastor Dwayne Richardson, on Sunday, June 14 that highlighted the strengths in Paulding County. It was a great day highlighting people’s concerns and showing that our area is a great place, a praying place according to Richardson, but, as with all things in life, could still use some work.
After the words of hate that were spelled out on public property, it’s clear that there are still problems in some people’s hearts and minds in regards to others.
The messages of hate will not be tolerated, nor will defacing of any kind. If you have any information to help the Paulding Police in their search for the person(s) who committed this crime, please call 419-399-3311.
