Late Friday night, police officers responded to Balearic Park regarding a vehicle doing “donuts” on the park grass, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.
The driver had already fled the scene by the time the police officers arrived.
Saturday morning, residents reported significant tire damage to the grass area. A Costa Mesa park ranger went out to the park, canvassed the area for possible video surveillance, and spoke to the reporting resident who had helpful information on the suspect vehicle and driving route.
The police officers started investigating and found that the Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) on a nearby street had captured video of the vehicle. The suspect was identified and officers went to the driver’s house and found evidence of mud and grass but not the driver.
While driving by a local car wash, another officer spotted the suspect vehicle. The vehicle had grass and mud on it and the driver was trying to power wash it clean.
When the police officer contacted the driver, it was clear she had found the culprit. The driver was arrested for felony vandalism and trying to get rid of the evidence.
This is a great example of the quick resolution to an incident thanks to vigilant neighbors, the ALPR (Flock) camera, and the astute investigation of Costa Mesa’s police officers.
