Tecumseh HS senior charged in Raynor Park vandalism

A Tecumseh High School senior was charged with one count of criminal damaging after deputies say he drove across the football field at Raynor Park.

John Masters, 18, appeared in Clark County Municipal Court on Wednesday on the charge. His arraignment was continued while he was screened for a public defender.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office was first called to Raynor Park in Park Layne on Saturday for a reported vandalism.

The responding deputy could see several tire tracks and ruts in the ground at the time, where it appeared someone had driven on the field.

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The deputy saw a witness’ video of the vandalism. It shows someone driving a small SUV almost the entire length of the football field and spinning its tires, before finally getting back on the road.

Court documents say the deputy recognized the vehicle, and found it at a nearby house two days later— with mud and grass still covering it.

The documents go on to say that Masters admitted to the deputy that he caused the damage, but didn’t admit that it was with ill intent.

In a written statement to deputies Marshall said, “I slid into a big puddle as I was trying to park [aside] at the park. The only way I could get out is next to the [snack] building and to go around it.”

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Masters did continue on to say that he was willing to pay for the damage he made to the field.

Chad Hayes, with the Park Layne Wee Arrows who regularly practice on the field, said they haven’t received an estimate for the damage to the field yet.

Masters was arrested on Monday afternoon.

He could face up to 90 days in jail or up to a $750 fine for the charge. Tecumseh Local Schools Superintendent Paula Crew said that because the incident did not happen on school grounds, Masters will not receive any additional punishment at the school level.

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