The vandalism of several local buildings in January has been traced back to four juvenile males, and the Marshalltown Police Department (MPD) has charged each of them with first degree criminal mischief and fifth degree theft.

On Jan. 13, the Marshalltown Public Library, Scooter’s Coffee and several other businesses and residences were shot at with BB guns, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. According to an MPD news release issued Tuesday, the vehicle involved with the incidents was identified and located on Jan. 18.

When police officers found it, three male minors were inside. After obtaining a search warrant, the MPD found a BB gun and many BBs inside of the vehicle. Further investigation led to the discovery that the BB guns used in the vandalism were stolen from a local business, and the aforementioned juvenile males were identified in connection to the theft.

After the four minors were charged for allegedly vandalizing buildings in the community, the case was referred to Juvenile Court Services. The incidents remain under investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the MPD at (641) 754-5725 or the Marshall County Crime Stoppers at (641) 753-1234.