Knives, spray paint used in Scott County vandalism

ORAN, Mo. -- Several cars and buildings were vandalized by knives and spray paint early Tuesday morning in this Scott County town.

"We got hit pretty good," Oran police chief Marc Tragesser said, adding at least $3,800 in damage was done.

At least 12 vehicles, including an Oran police squad car, were spray painted and had tires slashed. Most of the vehicles only had one or two tires damaged, but the police vehicle had all four tires slashed.

The town's elementary school, two school buses, the Oran Hat Factory and three rental properties under one ownership on Rose Street were also spray painted, Tragesser said.

The vandalism occurred between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., and some may have occurred as early as 2:30 a.m., he said.

Vulgar language and "Class of '07" were spray painted on the school, but Tragesser said he believed it not to be the work of students. The spray paint was written in neat cursive at an adult height, Tragesser said.

The hat factory was spray painted with "Alabama wedding" and "Oran PD can't catch us," and the rental properties were painted with "Hi" and "Candy bars," he said.

No one was in custody Tuesday night, but police had in mind at least two suspects, both adult teenagers.

Tragesser doubted the vandalism was directed toward the police department or himself.

The chief has been under attack by some members of the community who claim his law enforcement has been overly strict and others who claim favoritism.

The motive for Tuesday's vandalism was likely related to a conflict between the suspects and the property they targeted, Tragesser said.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127