2 teens arrested in swastika vandalism

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MERCER ISLAND, Wash., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Police say two Mercer Island, Wash., teenagers were arrested and charged in a wave of graffiti vandalism, including swastikas painted on a Jewish school.

The 17-year-old boys were booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of malicious harassment, malicious mischief and second-degree burglary but a 18-year-old suspect remained at large, The Seattle Times reported.

Acting on tips, police searched three Mercer Island homes and found graffiti on interior walls and pads of paper possibly matching that from vandalized sites, the newspaper said Wednesday.

"The way taggers work, they all keep samples of their work," police Det. Peter Erickson said.

Erickson said police found markers and cans of paint linking one of the suspects to an incident dating back several years.

The anti-Semitic vandalism at the Yeshiva school brought out community residents in support, helping lead police to the arrests, the Times said.

Rabbi Benjy Owen, assistant head of the school, said he was grateful for the support.

"It's good to know these people are behind bars," Owen said. "But it gives us pause to reflect on how much damage individuals or small groups of individuals can do when they put their mind to it."