Police investigate vandalism to USS Indianapolis Memorial
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Police in Indianapolis are investigating after someone vandalized the USS Indianapolis Memorial downtown.
According to Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin, the discovery was made early Wednesday morning at the memorial, which is located on Ellsworth Street, along the canal.
Goodwin says the vandal(s) used crayons to deface the memorial and added these sorts of incidents have happened before.
“It’s very disappointing,” Goodwin said.
A series of words were written on the memorial, which include, “Stop,” “Gun,” “Crack Cocain,” and “Toby Keith’s 35 Greatest Hits.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police are investigating.
Police say the offense could lead to a $2,500 fine and jail time. The project that built in 1995 lists all of the shipmates names on board back in 1945.
The city is now considering placing extra lights around it and video cameras after the site was vandalized five times this year. IMPD’s downtown district bike patrol unit says they plan on making more rounds in the area.
“The idea that anyone would treat a public space with such disrespect is disturbing. It’s a shame. I come here because I served my country. When I come here, it’s a place of peace,” said Robert Madison.
If you have any information on the crimes committed, call 317-262-TIPS to help solve this crime.