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PORT NECHES — Three juveniles, all 16 years of age were taken into custody and released to their parents pending criminal trespass charges after being found at Tugboat Island late last week.

The juveniles are not charged with vandalism.

Port Neches Police Chief Cheri Griffith said they were notified of vandalism the morning of April 18 meaning the actual vandalism likely occurred the night of April 17 or the wee morning hours of April 18. 

Griffith explained just what the vandalism was. 

“The park had been closed as they were putting in an ADA walkway with a sort of synthetic rubber. Someone got in and was walking around in it before it was cured,” Griffith said.

Then officers received a call of people inside the park Friday night (April 18). The vandalism had already occurred before the teens were found inside the park, she said.

“There was no new vandalism but they were trespassing,” she said. 

She explained the teens were not charged in the vandalism because it is unknown who vandalised the property initially. An investigation is ongoing to find the person or persons responsible for the vandalism.

The names of the juveniles can’t be released but one is from Port Neches and two are from Groves, police said.

Cameras have been installed.

Eric Sullivan, general coordinator for the Restore Tugboat Island committee, said there are plans for repairs to the walkway.

Sullivan said one of the main problems is people entering the park after it is closed. There has been talk of teenagers going in and climbing to the very top of the structures and this is something else that will not be permitted. Persons doing this will be asked to leave. 

“We want to let parents and kids know, we are not going to tolerate people going in there after it is closed,” Sullivan said. “The important message is that when the park is closed, it is closed.

Earlier this year more than 3,000 volunteers came together in February and March to build the playground. 

The playground, located at 600 Grigsby, is officially property of the city of Port Neches.