Molotov Cocktails, Graffiti, Property Damage: Police Offer Reward for Identities of High School Pranksters

Howard County police are offering a $500 reward to identify suspects who may be connected to a number of criminal incidents that have occurred at River Hill High School in recent weeks.

Thursday morning, police said door locks in the school were found damaged, preventing entry, and graffiti of a troubling nature was discovered, prompting police to evacuate the campus while canine units searched the school. People were allowed back inside the school just before 8 a.m., police said.

"While 'senior pranks' sometimes occur at schools this time of year, these incidents are criminal in nature and far more serious," police said.

Police said there have been other recent incidents of concern near or at River Hill High School as well. All have occurred overnight, they said. The list of incidents includes:

• April 29: A caller reported a small fire on the footpath behind the school.
• May 4: A a crude incendiary device, commonly known as a “Molotov cocktail,” was found on the tennis courts. In addition, the tires of multiple vehicles in the school parking lot were found slashed and graffiti was discovered on the windows.
• May 10: Another Molotov cocktail was found on the tennis courts.
• May 19: Graffiti that included slurs and profanity was spray-painted on the athletic fields.

Police said it is unclear if these incidents involve the same group of suspects, but said it is possible.

The department said it "want to reinforce to students and parents that criminal activity will result in arrest and charges."

"Thankfully, no one has been injured in these recent incidents," they added.

Anyone with any information on the incidents or suspects is asked to contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

A reward of up to $500 is being offered for information.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons.