By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The Pelham Police Department has charged a juvenile with first-degree criminal mischief related to the vandalism of the Pelham High School sign off Bearden Road.

Pelham Police Chief Larry Palmer said investigators were able to follow leads and gather enough information to make the arrest in the case Oct. 1. Because the suspect is a juvenile, Palmer said he was unable to release the suspect’s identity.

“I’m proud of the investigators and the hard work they did,” Palmer said.  “I hope this sends a message to everyone in the community (concerning) problems associated with people and the destruction of property.”

The sign was vandalized with graffiti overnight on Sept. 14, according to the Pelham Police Department, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Former Pelham Police Lt. Pete Folmar said the sign depicted a clown face, the words “Sissy” and “Joker” and other numbers and letters, as far as the responding officer could tell.

The Pelham Board of Education installed the sign on the hill leading up to the school while completing a $300,000 landscaping project at the school in early 2015.

Palmer said the Pelham community is proud of the new school system and the direction it is was moving in. He said the department is pleased they were able to bring this case to a resolution.

First-degree criminal mischief is defined by damage exceeding $2,500 and is a Class C felony.