Arrest made in cemetery vandalism

DOWAGIAC, Mich. – One person has been arrested in connection with vandalism at the Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac that caused $16,000 in damage to headstones.

According to the Dowagiac Police Department, they received reports of damage at the cemetery Monday morning. During the investigation they located 61 headstones that were damaged and tipped over.

The damage was estimated at $16,000.

During the investigation, police developed a suspect who was located. Police say the suspect confessed to the cemetery vandalism as well as damage done to the Elks Golf Course on November 27, 2012, reports said.

The 19-year-old Dowagiac resident faces charges of filing a false police report, malicious destruction of property over $1,000 and malicious destruction of property over $200.

The suspect’s name is being held pending arraignment.