Police say they have identified and arrested a male offender who vandalized a park and its playground equipment in Harvard Wednesday evening.
The Harvard Police Department announced Thursday morning they were seeking the public’s help in identifying a person who vandalized Milky Way Park, 300 Lawrence Road in Harvard.
The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The suspect used blue spray paint to vandalize walls, garbage cans and playground equipment.
Police said the suspect came in from the west side of the park while riding on a bicycle.
In an update Thursday evening, police said the offender had been identified and taken into custody.
A tip from an anonymous citizen in Harvard along with the work of officers and city personnel led to the arrest.
“The Harvard Police Department would like to thank and recognize all of you Harvard for stepping up, assisting us in quickly solving this case where the park and its equipment were vandalized,” the department said.
“Our citizens support, not only the Police Department, but our Community make it a better place. Thank you Harvard!” the department added.
Court records show Eric E. Galvez, 18, of Harvard, was charged with criminal damage to government-supported property and criminal defacement of property.
McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge ordered Galvez held on a $5,000 bond.
He was released from the McHenry County Jail after posting 10% of the bond.