Reported by Staff

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – In a recent incident, Christian A. Morales, 18, and Isaiah Ramos, 16, found themselves in legal trouble after Morales allegedly instructed Ramos to vandalize a van by hurling rocks at it, resulting in considerable damage.

Efforts to identify the duo were launched by the High Springs Police Department, which released a photograph of them seeking public assistance. The image, reportedly taken around 1:00 a.m. on February 17, showed the pair strolling along U.S. Hwy 441 in close proximity to Civic Center Park.

That same day, authorities received a call from a local business owner reporting vandalism to one of his company vehicles, with the damages amounting to an estimated $2,500.

Once the suspects were recognized, a police officer from HSPD noted that Ramos claimed ignorance of the business until Morales expressed a desire to retaliate against its owner. Ramos recounted that Morales had presented the act as a matter of personal vendetta rather than a business-related issue. Allegedly, the pair gathered rocks from the Civic Center and proceeded to the business location, where Morales instructed Ramos to throw the rocks while he kept watch.

The officer also noted that surveillance footage captured Morales and Ramos concealing themselves behind signs whenever vehicles approached, suggesting Morales was maintaining a lookout during the act.

Morales has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Because the charge involves a minor, his criminal history was not posted; he has been released from the jail.

Ramos has been charged as a juvenile with felony property damage. Because he is a juvenile, no further information is available.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.