JOHN DAY – Three John Day-area teens have been cited in connection with a spring-break vandalism spree at businesses between John Day and Mt. Vernon, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The late-March incidents include the theft of large fire extinguishers and other items from Grant Western Lumber Company, vandalism to a county-owned backhoe parked near the John Day Transfer Station, tail lights smashed out on a hauling trailer used by Clark’s Disposal and damage to a front-end loader at Lemon’s Rock Pit in the Laycock Creek area.

The investigation began when the John Day Police caught several youths with large fire extinguishers that had been taken from the closed sawmill complex. Police contacted the Sheriff’s Office, and investigators determined that numerous youngsters had been entering the mill property for some time.

In addition to the fire extinguishers, officers found that saw chaps, bolt cutters and metal had been taken from the mill.

On March 29, Grant County Road Master Mark Hensley reported vandalism of a parked backhoe, which had two tires shot flat by a small-caliber gun.

Police found more damage at County Road 74 and the Transfer Station, where the Clark’s Disposal trailer had its tail lights smashed.

Police investigating a subsequent complaint from the Rock Pit owners found that someone had used a bolt cutter or cutting device to cut the suicide knob from the steering wheel of a front loader. The brass valve stems were cut flush with the vehicle tire rims, causing the tires to deflate.

The Sheriff’s Office is still awaiting final estimate of the damage to the vehicle, but said it could exceed $20,000.

The damage prompted Ingle Butte Ranches, which owns the loader, to post a $1,000 reward. Tips from several people led the deputies to three youths age 16 and 17.

The juveniles were cited for first-degree criminal mischief, multiple counts of third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree theft, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and criminal trespassing while in possession of a firearm.

The case has been forwarded to the Grant County District Attorney and the Grant County Juvenile Department.