Vandals mar library, pavilion

Published 5:15 pm Sunday, June 12, 2016

Vandals spray painted a “T” and “GTA 5” on two of the Greenville Public Library's  windows, the letters “MGM” on the Camellia Pavilion's floor, the number “12” on two of the pavilion’s columns and on the wall of the pavilion an expletive directed toward police. Authorities say "12" is slang for police. (Advocate Staff/Andy Brown)

Vandals spray painted a “T” and “GTA 5” on two of the Greenville Public Library’s windows, the letters “MGM” on the Camellia Pavilion’s floor, the number “12” on two of the pavilion’s columns and on the wall of the pavilion an expletive directed toward police. Authorities say “12” is slang for police. (Advocate Staff/Andy Brown)

Vandals have tagged the Greenville-Butler County Public Library and the Camellia Pavilion.

Both the library and the pavilion were painted with graffiti Saturday night, according to authorities.

Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the vandalism, as well as the theft of bicycles from Greenville Middle School. Both have been charged with burglary, third degree, and criminal mischief, second degree.

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Capt. Justin Lovvorn, commander of the Greenville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, said three to four more arrests are expected.

Lovvorn said the same suspects were responsible for vandalism that occurred at Dafor Heavy Timber Fabricators.

Library Director Kevin Pearcey said he learned of the vandalism Sunday morning.

“I think it’s extremely disappointing that someone would vandalize both the main library and the pavilion, a facility that is here for the public’s use and enjoyment,” Pearcey said. “The City of Greenville spends countless hours of manpower in keeping the pavilion’s grounds and the building maintained and for someone to do this is just an ugly reminder that not everyone shares an appreciation for the hard work of so many.”

The vandals spray painted a “T” and “GTA 5” on two of the library’s windows, the letters “MGM” on the pavilion floor, the number “12” on two of the pavilion’s columns and on the wall of the pavilion an expletive directed toward police. Authorities say “12” is slang for police.

Pearcey said the city’s Public Works Department was able to remove most of the paint on Monday.

“Thankfully, the city was able to remove most of the paint from the wood with sandpaper,” he said. “It may still need to be touched up at a later date to match the existing wood. We’re still working on what to do with the concrete floor as that is stained. Also the paint on the library windows came off rather easily. Like everyone else, we were upset to see this happen, but it appears any permanent damage may be minimal.”