Police Charge Four Suspects in High School Vandalisms Case

More than a month removed from separate incidents of vandalism at South Lakes and Herndon High Schools, Fairfax County Crime Solvers announced Tuesday they have charged four suspects — two adults and two juveniles.

Detectives investigating the case reportedly charged Ryan Jeffery Wait, 18, of Reston, and a 17-year-old male from Reston with defacing public property (a misdemeanor) for vandalism at Herndon High School. Wait was reportedly arrested on June 24.

An 18-year-old Reston man who is out of the area for the summer, and a 17-year-old male from Herndon, were also charged with defacing public property for vandalism at South Lakes High School.

“Although these vandalisms were not solved through Crime Solvers tips, the Fairfax County Crime Solvers Board of Directors is pleased that detectives were able to successfully close these cases,” read the release.

The vandalism at both schools occurred on their respective football fields. The suspects spray-painted “derogatory, bias phrases and inappropriate images” on the fields.

The incident at Herndon High School reportedly took place between 11 p.m. Sunday, May 31, and 8 a.m. Monday, June 1. The incident at South Lakes High School reportedly took place between 11 p.m. Saturday, June 6, and 1:50 p.m. Sunday, June 7.

The vandalism caused more than $6,000 in damages to both turf fields.