Vandals have been shooting pellet guns to break storefront windows and damage property in downtown Forest Lake. Police in the northern Washington County suburb are hoping a $1,000 reward will bring information leading to those responsible.
In more than a dozen cases reported over the past few weeks, perpetrators at times have also used slingshots to break windows and glass doors at businesses on Broadway Avenue, Lake Street and Scandia Trail, said Chief Clark Quiring.
The latest round of damage occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Somebody shot out windows at four businesses in Schilling Plaza, a strip mall on the south end of town. Vandals have hit the Jelly Box restaurant twice and OSI Physical Therapy clinic on Lake Street three times, Quiring said.
Vandals have struck at night after the businesses have closed, so police have no witnesses and few leads. Quiring said police believe "thrill seekers" are behind the damage.
No one has been hurt, Quiring said.
Anybody with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
TIM HARLOW
