NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray reports that the Newburyport Police Department has charged five man with vandalizing sewer grates throughout the city.
Five 21-year-old males: one from Newburyport, two from Salisbury, and two from Kingston, New Hampshire were each charged with nine counts of Vandalism of Property
On Sunday, July 22, 2018 at approximately 1 a.m, a Newburyport Police Officer was dispatched to Purchase Street near Franklin Street after the department received a report that a group of young men had stolen a sewer grate.
An investigation quickly led to a residence on Purchase Street. After a brief discussion, it was determined that the group of males congregated inside the home was responsible for the vandalism.
Newburyport Police investigators determined that nine sewer grates were taken from locations throughout the city:
- Fair Street at Orange Street
- Orange Street
- Federal Street at Atwood Street
- (2) Atwood Street at Lime Street
- Lime Street at Purchase Street
- Purchase Street at Salem Street
- Purchase Street at Franklin Street
- Purchase Street at Bromfield Street
The investigation determined that some of the grates were dropped into their holes. Alcohol appears to have been a factor in the vandalism spree. City officials have placed orange cones and plywood over the holes until the grates can be replaced.
The five men will be summonsed to Newburyport District Court for a show cause hearing at a later date.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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