Suspects charged in Acorn Alley vandalism

Rex Santus

The Kent Police Department filed charges Monday against two suspected vandals of Acorn Alley and Acorn Corner.

Kyle J. White, 20, of Kent, was charged with criminal damaging and criminal trespass. Ian T. Simpson, 19, of Kent was charged with criminal trespass.

The reported vandalism occurred Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3, at approximately 4 a.m.

Kent police Sgt. Rich Troika said neither of the suspects has an “extensive criminal history.” The suspects were not arrested. The men will receive court summons in the mail detailing their arraignments.

Ron Burbick, developer of Acorn Alley, said he is confident the police have the correct suspects.

Troika said he was able to identify one of the suspects by viewing surveillance tapes of Acorn Alley.

The suspects allegedly caused between $500 and $1,000 in damages. Burbick said a strand of globe lights was pulled down; the bulbs were shattered. A door was also damaged and torn from its hinges.

Troika said there was a separate, unrelated vandalism of Acorn Alley that happened that same night.

“There was a more minor criminal mischief incident that happened a few hours before this one,” Troika said. “If we’re able to identify [a third person], we will, but this incident is the main cause of the criminal damage.”

Police declined to release the surveillance footage, as it is still a part of the continuing investigation.

Contact Rex Santus at [email protected].