Reward For Little League Complex Vandals Tip Now at $1,000

The Menomonee Falls Little League upped the ante for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved in to ever hit the Little League Complex on Mill Road.

Initially the league offered a $250 reward for information to identify the vandals.  However, several Falls residents and community organizations have chipped in to bring that total up to $1,000.

“The response has been quite gratifying that people in the community and organizations have come forward to offer that reward,” said Falls Little League President Eliot Chertack.

Chertack said the Falls Junior Indians select baseball program pitched in $250 for the reward, and numerous other residents made $50 to $100 donations as well.

In addition to the private cash reward from the league, Menomonee Falls Police Capt. Mark Waters said Crimestoppers of Waukesha County will also chip in reward money for a tip. Crimestoppers will evaluate the total amount they will reward based on the information that was given to police officers.

On Monday, Crimestoppers hung a sign on the outfield fence of one of the diamonds facing Mill Road with their tip line on it. Fittingly, the sign was hung adjacent to the foul pole, a symbol of the “foul” criminal acts that occurred at the facility, which is utilized by more than 1,200 youths in the village.

During the night sometime between Aug. 13 and Aug. 14, a group of vandals entered the complex with destruction on their minds. They commandeered a club car at the complex and used it to drive through and smash the wall of a storage shed. They also attempted to break into second storage shed, and tipped over a portable bathroom.

The vandals broke into the concession stand and tore off cabinet doors and sprayed ketchup, mustard and cheese all over the building. They broke into soda machines and even strapped a water bottle to the gas pedal of the club car, sending it careening unmanned into a tree.

When all was said and done, the vandals caused roughly $7,500 in damage to a facility that is run entirely by volunteers. The vandals, if caught, would likely face felony charges for criminal damage to property.

Just a week after the Falls little league complex was vandalized, a similar incident occurred at Little League fields in Richfield.

“It makes you wonder if it was a copycat or the same people,” Chertack said. “We’re just hopeful something will come out of this.”

Repercussions from the vandals’ destructive night are still affecting operations at the league. Organizers were forced to push back the day to return uniforms. The new date to return uniforms is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 10. If you cannot make this date, contact Randy.

If you have any information that will lead to the arrest of the individuals involved in this crime, please contact the at 532-8700. They will relay your information to the league as well as Crimestoppers to receive your reward.