By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Jeff Vidler hopes the person who defaced Erieau’s veteran’s memorial crosswalk will be caught.
The Erieau resident, who served with the navy for 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, is the one who discovered the damage caused by a driver who did a burnout on the walkway.
“When I saw it, it definitely hurt,” Vidler said of the heavy strips of black rubber marring the silhouettes of soldiers in the crosswalk. “It was done on purpose, as far as I’m concerned.”
Vidler’s complaint has led to an investigation by the Chatham-Kent Police Service. As of press time, police are calling on the public for help and have released images of a white truck believed to be involved.
The incident on Erieau’s main drag is said to have occurred around 2 a.m. July 25.
“People are not happy,” Vidler said of the vandalism, adding he hopes the culprit will face charges.
South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci, who was instrumental in bringing the veteran’s memorial crosswalk to Erieau two years ago, is angry about the damage.
He’s also refuting comments circulating on social media that the defacement was accidental, as well as remarks stating the original paint job on the walkway is to blame.
“This is significant damage because the rubber is burned into the asphalt,” Ceccacci told The Voice, noting the destruction of municipal infrastructure caused by mischief or vandalism is costly for all taxpayers.
Ironically, Ceccacci brought forward a motion to ask C-K police to look into the feasibility of installing more CCTV cameras in Chatham-Kent – including in downtown Erieau – at the July 13 council meeting. But due to time constraints, it didn’t appear on council’s agenda until July 27, two days after the alleged incident in Erieau.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the event or who may have dash cam or security camera footage to contact Const. Kyle Merritt at 519-436-6660 or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters may also contact Crime Stopper anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, intentionally vandalizing a veterans’ crosswalk carries strict penalties. It’s a minimum $1,000 fine for a first offence and up to 14 days imprisonment for a second offence. Subsequent offences carry a minimum of 30 days’ jail time.
Additional penalties and fines can also be levied by the province under the Highway Traffic Act.
