Juveniles arrested after vandalizing abandoned church

Two Red Oak 18-year-olds and seven juveniles are facing charges in vandalizing an abandoned church, according to police reports.

On July 25 at approximately 20:58 hours, Red Oak Police officers were dispatched to 611 E. Coolbaugh Street. Officers were advised that Montgomery County communications received a call from Floyd Lynn Adams who stated that there was vandalism to the abandoned church located at this address.

Upon arrival, officers were met by Adams, who advised them that two juvenile females were being detained by his grandson.

Officers made contact with the two 14-year-old female juveniles who were identified and transported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office for questioning. Both juveniles admitted to writing their names on the walls and a barstool and to being in possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were charged with criminal mischief 1st degree and possession of drug paraphernalia a simple misdemeanor and were transported to the juvenile detention center in Council Bluffs.

Through the investigation officers learned several juveniles were involved with painting of walls, windows, doors and floors and writing on walls and furniture. The juveniles involved included; two 14-year-old females, one 15-year-old male, two 12-year-old females, and one 13-year-old male.

Upon further investigation officers identified three additional subjects, one 15-year-old male and Cody K. Blystone and James L. Christensen Jr., both 18

Blystone, Christensen and the 15-year-old were brought in for questioning and all provided voluntary statements admitting to the remainder of the damages to the church. They were all charged with criminal mischief 1st degree.

Blystone and Christensen are being held at the Montgomery County jail.

Criminal mischief charges for the juveniles were reduced to criminal mischief 5th degree, a simple misdemeanor. All juveniles were cited into Juvenile Court and released to their parents.