Suspects caught in Lions Camp Horizon vandalism

Two Blaine teenagers were transported and booked into juvenile detention, after surveillance footage was recovered at the scene of the Lions Camp Horizon vandalism incident in Birch Bay.

On January 29, three Lions Camp Horizon dormitory buildings were damaged after the boys allegedly discharged multiple dry-chemical fire extinguishers, leaving corrosive residue on carpets, walls, window coverings and beds.

Around the time of the incident, a video camera on the premises had been pulled down, according to a press release issued by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). However, some photos and video footage were able to be retrieved from the camera, which showed two juvenile males.

WCSO deputies contacted Blaine High School staff, and the suspects were recognized and identified. They are both males, 16 and 17 years of age, who reside in Blaine.

The suspects were later located together in front of one of their residences. One of the juveniles admitted to the crime and said he had discharged at least two of the fire extinguishers at Lions Camp Horizon on January 29.

One suspect was also wearing the same hat observed in the surveillance footage. Shoes were also obtained from both suspects which matched evidence found at the scene.

Evidence obtained during the investigation also linked the suspects to damage done to a pickup truck that was parked outside the buildings.

The truck belongs to the caretaker and had its glass knocked out, including the front windshield, rear window, both passenger mirrors, passenger and driver’s door windows and the rear-view mirror. The driver and passenger doors had also been caved in and the sheet metal damaged. Also, the driver’s rear tail light had been broken and the tailgate removed and thrown into the bed of the pickup.

According to the press release, probable cause exists to charge the suspects with burglary and malicious mischief, and charges have been referred to prosecutors.