A man allegedly photographed Sept. 1 smashing a plate-glass window at the First National Bank Building and kicking the rear of a squad car in downtown St. Paul has been charged with criminal damage to property, a felony.

Jason A. Sparks, 23, of Fridley was charged Friday in Ramsey County District Court. He was arrested Sunday night after police asked for the public's help in finding him, and he made his first court appearance Monday. His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22.

According to the criminal complaint, Sparks was part of a group of protesters at the Republican National Convention who left the established parade route and damaged public and private property as the members "descended into St. Paul."

One member of the group was photographed smashing the bank window at 4th and Robert Streets and later kicking the squad car. Although the man was wearing a bandana over his face, two people called police and identified him as Sparks after the photographs were published in the media, the complaint said. Sparks also was photographed without the bandana at the State Capitol grounds before the vandalism.

The complaint said the windows broken in the First National Bank Building will cost more than $17,000 to replace.

Sparks is being held in the Ramsey County jail in lieu of $15,000 bail.

PAT PHEIFER