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Sixteen-year-old boy arrested for knocking over village fountain
La Grange is less bubbly without the fountain next to the Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Road. The concrete structure was tipped over and broken July 25. | Jane Michaels~Sun-Times Media
Updated: September 3, 2012 6:17AM
LA GRANGE — A 16-year-old La Grange boy has been arrested for damaging the fountain July 25 in the plaza next to the La Grange Village Hall.
The boy was charged at 11:30 a.m. July 26 as a juvenile with criminal damage to state supported property and reckless conduct, said police investigator Ken Uhr.
Although the incident was captured on video surveillance tape of the plaza, witnesses’ accounts led to the boy’s arrest, Uhr said.
Police received a call at 11:13 p.m. July 25 the fountain had been damaged and found all three bowls of the concrete structure broken.
“We’re getting estimates to get it repaired and replaced for the cost, as well as a schedule for how long it will take,” said Public Works Director Ryan Gillingham. “We’ll probably need a whole new structure.”
The fountain was installed around 2005, but Gillingham said he’s unsure of the cost, because the fountain was part of a larger package when the plaza was constructed.
“For right now, it’s been shut off until we get estimates together and make a decision,” he said.
Uhr expressed disappointment felt by many in the village.
“It’s a focal point in downtown La Grange, and a lot of people have enjoyed it,” he said. “It’s an unfortunate incident. Hopefully we can move on from there and enjoy it again eventually.”
Village President Liz Asperger had strong words about the incident.
“It’s both a devastation and appalling,” Asperger said. “We’re obviously extremely disappointed that such a thoughtless act can result in negatively impacting so many people who love to gather at such a special place.”
Since the fountain’s removal, people “do notice a big hole,” she said. “It’s just a real shame.”
