The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office is investigating more than 20 cases of vandalism and mischief that occurred early Saturday in Madison, Norridgewock and Anson and included slashed tires and damaged or destroyed mailboxes.
Sheriff’s Cpl. David Cole said Saturday afternoon that officials have identified suspects in the cases, but no arrests were expected Saturday.
“The investigation will be lengthy,” Cole said just before 3 p.m.
At that time, he and two other sheriff’s officials still were investigating the cases and more reports were flowing in, he said.
The mischief and vandalism appears to have occurred before 6 a.m., with reports coming in as early as 3:14 a.m. Saturday. Sheriff’s officials investigating reports from residents found other cases that had not yet been reported, according to Cole.
In Anson, the vandalism and mischief were reported on Beane, Main and Ingalls streets, as well as on Hilton Hill Road. In Madison, cases were reported on Colby Bryant and Ward Hill roads, as well as Pine and Spring streets and Preble Avenue. In Norridgewock, locations on Ward Hill and Madison roads were targeted.
Cole said the incidents are class D crimes, punishable by up to a year in jail on each count.
He asked anyone with information about the mischief and vandalism to call Somerset County Communications at 474-6465.
Amy Calder — 861-9247
Twitter: @AmyCalder17