A Platte City teenager is facing charges in Buchanan County after being accused of playing a role in a vandalism spree in St. Joseph.
Eric S. Malott, 18, of Platte City is charged with two counts of second degree property damage. After his arrest, he was held on a $10,000 bond, a percentage of which he later posted to be released.
According to Buchanan County Circuit Court records, Malott’s first court appearance was Tuesday of this week.
Malott is accused in an incident that took place Monday night, Dec. 26 and early Tuesday, Dec. 27. At least 20 cars suffered broken car windows, apparently shot out with pellet guns. Police believe Malott and two other teenagers used I-229 to travel back and forth between the north side and south side of St. Joseph, shooting the pellet guns at parked cars.
The St. Joseph News-Press reported the same teens are suspected in another vandalism incident that took place in that city two weeks earlier. In that incident, at least 20 cars’ windows were smashed with baseball bats near Lafayette High School and in South Side neighborhoods.
On Tuesday, Malott entered a plea of not guilty in front of Judge Ronald Taylor in Buchanan County Associate Circuit Court. A trial date for Malott has been set for Jan. 18 at 1 p.m., according to court records.
In addition to Malott, also charged is Matthew Williams, 19, of St. Joseph. A 16-year-old female was arrested and transferred to the custody of juvenile authorities.