Pennsylvania Man Overflowed Collingswood Fountain With Soapy Suds: Police

A Pennsylvania man and a juvenile have been charged with criminal mischief in connection with overflowing soap suds in the fountain on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood.

Gregory Reed Sutliff Jr., 18, of Bethlehem PA, was charged with criminal mischief. He was released pending court. An unnamed juvenile was mandated to complete community service as a result of his role in the incident.

Officers from the Collingswood Police Department Patrol Division noticed the fountain on Haddon Avenue overflowing with soap suds while on patrol in the area on Aug. 20. The detective bureau led the investigation that resulted in the charges announced on Thursday.

Residue from soaps clog the fountain and cause malfunction, borough officials said on Thursday. They added that foreign objects in the fountain cause damage, restricting the flow of the pump which results in motor burn out. It also encourages visitors to add items and play unsafely.

“Adding objects or soaps to the fountain is a criminal act and violators will be prosecuted,” Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey said.