Sports Rivalry Sparks Vandalism at Potomac, Bethesda High Schools

BETHESDA, MD — A $10,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to the arrest of the vandals who painted graffiti on two football fields, acts that were likely sparked by a sports rivalry. Montgomery County Police Department are searching for those responsible for the damage caused between Jan. 27 and Jan. 31 at Winston Churchill High School, 11300 Gainsborough Road in Potomac, and Walter Johnson High School, 6400 Rock Spring Drive in Bethesda.

Officials at Winston Churchill High School reported that on Jan. 27 and Jan. 31 the school’s football stadium building, along with several signs and banners around the stadium area, had been spray-painted with graffiti. The images included the letters “WJ,” the word “CATS” and images of male genitalia. A second round of graffiti on the school’s stadium and athletic field areas included painting the letters “WJ,” along with profanity and images of male genitalia, on the school’s football stadium building, the scoreboard, a softball field dugout, and equipment sheds at the athletic fields.

On Jan. 30, the school resource officer at Walter Johnson High School was contacted by school staff, who reported that the football stadium concession stand had been vandalized. Graffiti with the words “BRA,” “SPANX,” “WJ SWEET” “CHURCH,” “TK SHAV,” “ILL,” “GG” and images of male genitalia were spray-painted on the concession stand walls, gates, and advertising signs.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call police at 240-773-6084. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

»Photos of vandalism at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac and Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, courtesy of Montgomery County Police