Vandalism With Marbles In Bel Air Reported

BEL AIR, MD — Windows of homes, vehicles and businesses in Bel Air and surrounding areas have reportedly been targeted in a recent spate of vandalism. The ammunition of choice has been marbles, according to the Bel Air Police Department.

Now authorities are asking community members to report any recent cases they may not have notified police about yet, in particular if the damage appeared to have been caused by small projectiles.

The vandalism began the day before Memorial Day. According to The Aegis, there were 20 reports of property destroyed by small projectiles in Bel Air, Fallston, Joppa and Forest Hill submitted to law enforcement between Sunday, May 26, and Friday, May 31.

Marbles or bullets were fired by slingshot at homes, businesses and vehicles, the newspaper reported.

Authorities have honed in on a suspect. After the Harford County Sheriff's Office used video surveillance to identify the suspect vehicle, a Bel Air police officer pulled over an 18-year-old who has since been issued a summons in the case, according to The Aegis, which reported a slingshot and marbles were "in plain view" when the officer stopped him, and the teen had bullets in his pocket.

"An extraordinary job and teamwork was demonstrated in this case by Officer First Class John Ganovski, Officer First Class Keith Smithson, and our Harford County law enforcement partners," the Bel Air Police Department said in a statement Tuesday, June 4.

Anyone who has had property destruction caused by marbles or other projectiles in the town of Bel Air who has not reported it yet is asked to call the Bel Air Police Department at 410-638-4500.

"It could be related to the case..." police said.