Vandal suspect leaves wallet at scene

WASILLA -- Committing some random acts of vandalism at a local playground and want to get caught? Here's a sure-fire way -- leave your wallet at the scene.

According to Wasilla Police Department, this was the case at Wasilla Wonderland recently. Last Saturday morning visitors to the playground discovered that vandals had broken picnic tables, bent fence railings, tipped over a portable restroom and cracked a water-faucet pipe.

"The whole area was flooded," said Wasilla Officer Dave Eller. "It was a mess."

As Eller was investigating the scene Saturday, a small boy attending a birthday party at the park approached him and said, "Officer, I found this wallet."

It seemed too good to be true, but inside was a driver's license.

"So I called this guy up," Eller said. When 19-year-old Joshua Brown of Wasilla arrived at the police department to claim his wallet, and a warrant out for his arrest, Eller interviewed him about the vandalism. According to Eller, Brown quickly confessed to the crime. And the alleged accomplice, a 17-year-old boy, had ridden along in Brown's van and, according to Eller, also admitted to his part in the vandalism.

Eller said it was one of the easiest cases he's worked on.

"If everyone would just leave behind an ID, or even a business card … it would make it much easier," Eller joked.

The two will be charged with criminal mischief, according to the officer. The degree will depend on the cost of the damage. As of earlier this week, city officials were estimating the damage was at least several hundred dollars.

The park had to be closed down for a short period last weekend so safety concerns could be addressed, and city officials say they are continuing repair efforts.

"But it's open now," Don Shiesl, public works director with the city, said at the beginning of the week.