COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — An arrest has been made after a wave of vandalism left several headstones damaged last week at a Cookeville cemetery.

According to a previous News 2 report, authorities believe the vandalism happened at the Cookeville City Cemetery along S. Walnut Avenue between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30.

Investigators initially stated that eight headstones were knocked over. However, authorities announced that more graves were damaged, which brought the total number up to 32. Officials added vases and flowers were also taken from the gravesites.

After the vandalism occurred, the Cookeville Police Department reportedly increased foot patrols in the area and sought leads to identify the individual(s) responsible.

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, police announced that a juvenile had been identified as a suspect. The juvenile was reportedly visiting a parent living near the cemetery when the vandalism occurred.

Authorities added the juvenile admitted to damaging the headstones during an interview with detectives.

"A felony vandalism petition was obtained and served on the juvenile who was transported to the juvenile detention facility," stated the police department in a post about the arrest.

News 2 reported that one local business, Ameri-Stone, volunteered material to repair the damaged headstones at no cost to the city. Thanks to those efforts, nearly all of the headstones have reportedly been restored.

No additional information about the juvenile suspect was released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/juvenile-arrested-after-several-headstones-damaged-at-cookeville-cemetery/