Suspect Spray Paints Graffiti On Public Mural Painted By Local Girl Scouts
Just two months after two local girl scouts spent countless hours painting a Mountains to Sea Mural on the Neuse River Greenway someone vandalized the painting.
Smithfield Police discovered this week where someone had spray painted graffiti on a section of the mural under the US70 Business Bridge at Front Street.
The mural was painted by Sarah Gaskins and Clar McGeough from Girl Scout Troop 3424 as part of their Silver Award project. Both are freshman at Neuse Charter School.
Smithfield Mayor Pro Tem Andy Moore was one of 50 people who gathered for the July dedication and ribbon cutting of the mural. “These two young ladies worked tirelessly to beautify the Greenway and they did an outstanding job. It really makes me sick someone would want to commit a senseless act like that. I certainly hope we can catch the individual that did it.”
Smithfield Public Works Director Lenny Branch and his employees spent several hours cleaning up the graffiti and were able to restore the painting to its original appearance.
However, Smithfield Police are looking for the person or persons responsible for the vandalism. Smithfield Police and WTSB Radio are both offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smithfield Police Tip Line at 919-989-8835.
