Arrest made in Gifford church vandalism spree – suspect found with paint on her hands

(Splashed paint vandalism)

A two-day vandalism spree targeting churches and a local historical museum in Indian River County came to an end Thursday night when deputies arrested a woman they say was caught with evidence literally on her hands.

According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Tiffany Clarke, 42, was taken into custody after deputies investigated a vandalism complaint at a church on 45th Street in Gifford. Investigators said Clarke was found nearby with white paint on her hands, matching paint used in the damage discovered at the scene.

Authorities allege Clarke entered the church property, took a paint bucket belonging to the ministry, and used it to deface a sidewalk, causing approximately $700 in damage. Investigators also linked her to earlier incidents involving painted-over signs and other vandalism at local churches and the Gifford Historical Museum.

Over the previous two days, deputies had responded to three separate vandalism incidents involving damage to plaques, benches, sidewalks, and signage at houses of worship and the museum.

Vandalism images, per IRCSO

Clarke was booked into the Indian River County Jail and faces charges including criminal mischief to a church, second-degree petit theft, and burglary of an unoccupied structure, according to authorities.

The sheriff’s office said it takes crimes against houses of worship seriously and thanked property owners for their cooperation during the investigation.

(Sources: Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, WPBF, CBS 12)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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