MAURICE, LA — Authorities have identified two individuals who are accused of driving their vehicles onto the grounds of Maurice’s only park, causing significant damage to the park’s lawn.
The incident occurred last Thursday, when the suspects—one a local resident and the other a visitor—allegedly performed “donuts” on the park’s front lawn. The reckless driving left deep tire marks and scattered rocks, causing an estimated $700 to $1,000 in damage.
Maurice Police Chief Guy Nerren expressed his frustration over the incident, pointing out that the suspects were in their mid-20s, not young kids as some might expect. “It’s disturbing,” Nerren said. “We’re trying to create a nice space for families to enjoy. It’s a shame when people come in and destroy it. I guarantee they wouldn’t do this to their own yard.”
The park, which serves as a key recreational area for the Maurice community, has faced vandalism in the past. However, Chief Nerren made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. “Don’t come to Maurice if you want to commit a crime. We’ll track you down,” he said.
The damage occurred when the suspects drove their vehicles across wet ground, making it easier to perform the spinning “donut” maneuver. The resulting tire marks and disturbed dirt left visible damage to the park.
Maurice Mayor Neil Arsement added, “It’s not just a simple donut; it’s damaging the area, leaving a hole in the parking lot.”
The suspects were quickly identified using security cameras installed at the park. These cameras, part of the town’s ongoing effort to improve public safety, helped officers track the suspects’ movements. Mayor Arsement commended the effectiveness of the cameras. “We’re grateful to have these cameras, and we’ll enforce the law to the fullest,” he said. “We’re using taxpayer dollars to make improvements here, and it’s unfair for anyone to damage this public property.”
Despite the setback, the town is moving ahead with plans to enhance the park. A new restroom facility is set to be installed in the coming weeks, marking the first such addition in years. In addition, the town is working with architects to design new walking trails and is exploring the possibility of expanding the park to include baseball fields.
“We have a lot of improvements coming to our community, and we don’t want anyone ruining that,” Mayor Arsement added.
As the investigation continues, both the police and town officials are committed to keeping Maurice Park a safe and enjoyable place for families and visitors.
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