(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Charges are being filed against two Elmhurst teenagers accused of carving swastikas into elementary school playground equipment.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced that 18-year-old Christopher Jackson has been charged with one count of hate crime, one count of criminal damage of government supported property, and one count of criminal damage to property.
A 17-year-old co-defendant is expected to appear at a detention hearing soon, officials said.
Police responded to the playground at Edison Elementary School on May 20 for reports of swastikas and Nazi phrases that had been carved into that plastic equipment.
An investigation revealed that Jackson and the 17-year-old co-defendant allegedly used a knife to make the carvings.
Damages to the playground are estimated to be $4,500.
Jackson was taken into custody the same day without incident, according to police.
“It is alleged several elementary school children saw the damaging carved symbols on the playground equipment during their school recess and alerted their teacher,” McLean said in a released statement.
Jackson’s arraignment is scheduled for June 17.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok