On July 13, 2025, the original three-tiered fountain decorated with herons, owls and cattails, which had been installed in Plaza Park in 1887 was vandalized, according to the Orange Police Department.
The suspect removed a heron statue from the base and smashed it at the scene. Patrol officers and detectives teamed up to identify the suspect as 34-year-old Ian McGahey of Orange.
On July 16, officers arrested McGahey in the 1000 block of East Fairway Avenue and booked him at Orange County Jail for felony vandalism.
In 1949 the fountain was moved to the wading pool next to the Plunge in Orange City Park (later renamed Hart Park). In 1981 it was installed in front of City Council Chambers City of Orange California – Municipal Government and moved across the street to the Orange Public Library during its renovation in 2007. Discover more history, including the iconic Plaza, the Old Towne Historic District, and some of the people and neighborhoods that have made our city the unique place it is at the Orange Public Library History Center.
Ian McGahey, the suspect arrested for vandalizing the historic fountain in Plaza Park, could face serious legal consequences under California law, specifically Penal Code § 594, which governs vandalism.
Potential Penalties for Felony Vandalism in California (2025)
Because the damage involved a historic public monument and likely exceeded $400 in value, the offense qualifies as felony vandalism, which is considered a “wobbler”—meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
If charged as a felony, McGahey could face:
- Imprisonment: 1 to 3 years in county jail or state prison
- Fines: Up to $10,000—or up to $50,000 if the damage exceeds $10,000
- Formal probation
- Restitution: Payment for the repair or replacement of the damaged property
- Community service
Aggravating Factors
Additional penalties or enhancements may apply if:
- The vandalism was committed against public property or a historic landmark
- The act was part of a hate crime or gang-related activity
- The suspect has prior convictions for vandalism
Other Consequences
- Driver’s license suspension (especially for graffiti-related offenses)
- Three Strikes Law: If McGahey has prior serious or violent felony convictions, this could count as a strike
This a-hole has NO heart. His hands should be removed from his body permanently. It’s one thing to throw eggs at someone’s front door or to wrap a tree in T.P, but to ruin something historical dating back decades or centuries is whole different story, let alone it’s a shameful thing to do.