The Westchester County Police Department reported that a New Jersey teenager is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following a break-in and vandalism at Playland amusement park in Rye, New York. Anthony Conkling, a 19-year-old from Wyckoff, N.J., turned himself in earlier this week. He has been charged with felony counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree and Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, as well as misdemeanor charges including Criminal Trespass and Petit Larceny, as reported by Country Herald.
Authorities say that Conkling and two other suspects, aged 19 and 20 from New Jersey, caused damage during an overnight break-in at the park on September 23–24. The suspects are accused of vandalizing the park’s electrical room by cutting fiber optic cables and stealing 200 stuffed animals. They also tried to throw a photo booth into the ocean, but were unsuccessful. CBS News reported that the total damage is about $57,000.
During the break-in, the three suspects reportedly used a small boat taken from a club in Connecticut, which, according to Country Herald, was later recovered undamaged. After the incident, police identified the alleged suspects with help from tips from the public and information shared on social media.
After his arraignment in Rye City Court, Conkling was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court again on November 25. The Westchester County Police Department said the other two suspects have been identified and are expected to turn themselves in soon. The investigation into the Playland incident is ongoing, and authorities are still looking into the details and motives behind the break-in.
