DODGE CO. (NBC 26) — Law enforcement said with the help of the new video camera system at Swan Park, two juveniles were arrested for vandalism that happened Wednesday night.
The Beaver Dam Police Department said a citizen who was enjoying the Rotary Lights spotted and reported the vandalism. According to the report, only the door to the Gingerbread House was kicked in and the doorknob was broken.
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt, the Chair of the Rotary Lights Committee, said he thanks everyone in the community who donated money for them to install a camera system and WIFI access at the park.. These systems were installed shortly before the year's Rotary Lights display, so Sheriff Schmidt along with Beaver Dam police were able to review video footage immediately.
Officers said they were able to identify the suspects as two juveniles, both of whom will not be identified due to their age, and were able to obtain a confession from them within a few hours of reviewing the footage.
Sheriff Schmidt said this is the second year in a row that there has been vandalism at Swan Park, and for the second time the perpetrators have been identified and held accountable for their actions.
Additionally, Sheriff Schmidt would like to the let the community know that regardless of any criminal activity that may occur, it will not dissuade the Beaver Dam Rotary Club or its volunteers to help make the annual Christmas Lights display as great as it can be. He has seem what a positive impact Rotary Lights has had on the community and will do whatever possible to continue serving the community.
Anyone interesting in being part of the Rotary Lights committee or would like to donate for next year's display, reach out to Sheriff Schmidt at DSchmidt@Co.Dodge.wi.us for more information.
