Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Sheriff's Office's Investigative Services Division is leading a probe into the latest reports of graffiti and vandalism reported at the new Highmark Stadium construction site.
The investigation, which began Monday at the behest of the Gilbane | Turner construction team, is focusing on a series of what officials are calling "pornographic" graffiti and vandalism reported in various interior portions of the $2.1 billion stadium that is under construction.
"Everyone is mad," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. "This is not a joke. This is not funny."
Poloncarz said the stadium has been the victim of recent graffiti and minor vandalism - especially in recent weeks.
The latest graffiti, discovered Monday morning, prompted Gilbane | Turner to suspend work at the stadium in order for investigators to talk with construction workers to determine who may be responsible for the acts.
Anyone who is identified will be prosecuted, Poloncarz said.
Poloncarz called the graffiti pornographic and targeted the LGBTQ community.
"There is a definite LGBTQ sentiment," Poloncarz said.
Construction will remain paused through Wednesday, but Poloncarz is confident the stadium will be completed this summer in time for the new NFL season.
More than 1,300 construction workers are on site on a seven-day a week, three-shift schedule as crews race to finish the stadium by early July.
The stadium project is more than 87% complete, but besides this week's pause, several days saw limited or no construction activity because of the harsh winter weather.
The pause has triggered an emergency Wednesday morning meeting between key construction industry and union leaders.
Poloncarz said a reward may be offered to help identify the suspect.
Many believe the suspect may be someone from the construction industry or unions because where the graffiti and vandalism was located - a fob and swipe card was required as it was in secure part of the stadium.
Some graffiti was also found in some of the suites.
Poloncarz said some of the graffiti will be able to be erased but other parts may require rebuilding portions of the stadium's interior because the damage was too deep.
"All it is doing is adding an expense to the project," Poloncarz said. "This all because of some idiot."
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