3 teens charged in Lake Milton home vandalism

Staff report

Lake Milton

Police charged three juveniles after they admitted breaking into and vandalizing a Lawnview Avenue home.

The homeowner called police Sunday to report that someone had broken into her home while she and her family were away over the weekend, according to a police report.

Police found a window in the back of the house pushed open, and several rooms were ransacked. The suspects sprayed baby powder all over the bathroom and urinated on the beds, walls, carpets and on toys, the report said.

It was apparent, police said, that juveniles committed the crime because jewelry and firearms had been passed over but video games were missing.

The homeowner’s son told officers that a friend who lives a street away joined the family for the weekend trip. He said his friend had an older brother who also knew they would be away from the house.

Police questioned the friend’s 14-year-old brother and his two friends, who admitted breaking in two to three times over the weekend, stealing food and juice as well as video games, and urinating on beds, floors and toys, the report said.

All three boys, who are 14, are charged with vandalism and burglary. One of the boys also is charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The homeowner told police a cleaning company sent by the insurance company estimated the urination damages to be about $12,000. She said this would include replacing carpeting, clothing, mattresses and toys.