Youths accused of throwing rocks at cars appear in court

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Three youths accused of throwing rocks at vehicles on Interstate 680 will remain in detention pending another hearing after they appeared in juvenile court Friday.

They are charged with multiple counts of vehicular vandalism, according to The Vindicator’s broadcast partner, WFMJ-Channel 21.

After spending a night in juvenile detention at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center, the defendants appeared in court in handcuffs and shackles. They are 11, 14 and 15 years of age. The two youngest are brother and sister.

The court entered innocent pleas on their behalf, and at the next hearing, they will be represented by court-appointed defense counsel.

A number of large rocks still litter the shoulder of I-680 under the Wellington Street overpass on the city’s West Side where the rocks were thrown.

More than a half-dozen drivers reported their vehicles were hit by rocks Thursday evening.

High fencing on overpasses is used to prevent objects from being tossed onto the roadway, but police say the youngsters were not actually on the overpass.

There were no accidents or injuries as a result of the rock throwing, but the defendants are facing at least six counts of vehicular vandalism, a third-degree felony, punishable by six months in detention per count.

That means, if convicted, they could be sentenced to 36 months minimum, with the possibility of being incarcerated until they are 21.

The penalty also could include their parents or guardians paying restitution for the damage.

Because of the serious charges, the magistrate ruled that the defendants remain in custody.