CONROE, Texas – A juvenile suspect has been arrested and accused of organizing a plot to vandalize a beloved Conroe High School mascot.
Police said a group of vandals poured paint on the Grady Spikes Memorial tiger statue at Conroe High School in June.
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Officials said the found the 2-ton bronze statue, as well as nearby sidewalks and buildings, covered with black and blue spray paint.
"School officials and investigators received numerous leads from the community regarding the identity of the vandals," said Jeff Laurent of the Conroe ISD Police.
Officials said the juvenile is not a student at the school.
"Ultimately, some of the people involved provided statements indicating that the detained juvenile is the one who conceived and organized the crime," Laurent said.
Laurent said the juvenile was also seen at a local store purchasing black and blue spray paint shortly before the crime. Officials said the store's video system recorded the juvenile and some other potential suspects making the purchases.
The juvenile is facing charges of graffiti on a school campus and felony criminal mischief. He could be committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and could also be ordered to submit to supervision until he turns 18.
Laurent said investigators still gathering information on others involved, including one adult. Laurent said they expect more arrests soon.
Officials said the repairs to the school cost the district thousands of dollars.
