Teens Cause Havoc on I-35
Waco police say two juveniles were taken into custody after rocks and concrete chunks were thrown off an Interstate 35 overpass, injuring drivers and damaging vehicles over the weekend.
Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton told the Waco Tribune-Herald that three or four people were injured early Saturday morning and at least eight vehicles were damaged. Swanton says most of those injured had cuts on their faces and upper body from broken windshields. Those injured were treated at the scene.
Swanton says police are still working to identify other suspects.
The two suspects taken into custody were ages 11 and 13. They were charged with aggravated assault, engaging in organized criminal activity and eight counts of criminal mischief. Both were taken to the Bill Logue Juvenile Justice Center.
What these young people did was a terrible crime. It isn’t just a case of criminal mischief, but because others were injured by such irresponsible actions, the offenders were charged with assault. If someone had been killed, the charges would have become even more serious. The parents of kids who are arrested for criminal mischief could find themselves in trouble with the law as well.
The penalties for a Texas criminal mischief offense are found in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code and are classified as either a misdemeanor or felony, How they are classified also depends on the circumstances of the offense and value of the property damaged or destroyed, injury sustained, or the financial loss suffered by the victims.
Criminal Mischief State Jail Felony: The amount of damages can range from $1,500 to $20,000. The penalty is 180 days and up to 2 years in jail with a fine up to $10,000.
Criminal Mischief Third Degree Felony: The amount of damages are less than $100,000 but at least $20,000. The prison sentence can range from two to 10 years with a fine of up to $10,000.
Criminal Mischief Second Degree Felony: The amount of damages are less than $200,000 but over $100,000 or more. The prison sentence ranges from two to 20 years with a fine of up to $10,000.
Criminal Mischief First Degree Felony: The amount of damages are $200,000 or more. When someone is convicted of this level of criminal mischief, it can carry a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or injured as the result of a mindless act of criminal mischief, give our offices a call. We will take the time to go over the circumstances of your case and give you several options to proceed. You need a lawyer with years of experience on your side to make sure that you are compensated for your losses and that justice is served. We can also act as your representative when dealing with insurance companies and others connected with your case so that you can focus on getting your life back on track. There is no obligation and your initial consultation is free.
