CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Police have arrested two Clearlake juveniles for allegedly damaging a local church with gang-related graffiti.

The two juveniles, whose names were not released because of their minor status, were arrested late Wednesday, June 8, according to a report from Sgt. Rodd Joseph of the Clearlake Police Department.

Joseph said Clearlake Police officer responded to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 14972 Lakeview Way, at about 9 p.m. Wednesday on a report of two subjects spray painting the church.

The same church has been a victim of several recent vandalisms, Joseph said.

He said three Clearlake police officers responded to the scene while the Clearlake Police dispatcher kept the witness on the phone so officers could get real-time updates on the suspects’ activities.

The three officers took different routes to the church in hopes of cutting off any escape routes for the two suspects. Joseph said the officers arrived at the church within minutes of the call.

Officers Mike Carpenter and Alan Collier located two juvenile suspects – one 10 years old, the other 15 years old – on the church property, Joseph said.

Joseph said both suspects were found to have fresh, blue-colored spray paint on their hands and the 10-year-old was found to be in possession of a can of blue spray paint.

Officers located blue spray painted graffiti in numerous areas in and around the church property. Joseph said the graffiti appeared to be gang-related and was still wet to the touch.

He said several witnesses were located in the area and interviewed. The two juveniles were arrested and charged with vandalism to a church, minor in possession of aerosol paint with intent to vandalize, conspiracy to commit a crime and participation in a criminal street gang.

Both suspects were transported and booked into the Lake County Juvenile Hall, Joseph said.

The Clearlake Police Department thanked those residents who came forward with information which led to the arrests of these two juveniles. The agency said that the community, working in partnership with the police department, can make a difference.

Anyone with information on any crime is urged to contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251. You may remain anonymous.

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