Arrested: Terry Wilson, 37, Boise
Charge: Injuring Monuments, Ornaments, and Public Improvements (m), Resisting and Obstructing Officers (m), Possession of marijuana (m), Possession of drug paraphernalia (m)
On Tuesday evening Boise Police officers arrested one of the suspects believed to be involved in an injury to property incident at a bronze statue of Seated Lincoln in Julia Davis Park last month. Following an investigation, both physical and electronic evidence was used to identify suspects in this case. Boise City prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Terry Wilson late last week. Wilson was located this afternoon. When officers approached Wilson and attempted to arrest him on the warrant, Wilson ran. Officers chased after Wilson and were able to stop him and take him into custody, at which time Wilson was found to be in possession of a firearm, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Wilson was taken to the hospital and was medically cleared before being booked into the Ada County Jail on the listed charges.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
18-7021 INJURING MONUMENTS, ORNAMENTS, AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. Every person, not the owner thereof, who willfully mars, disfigures, breaks or otherwise injures, or molests, removes or destroys, any work of art, monument, landmark, historic structure, shade tree, shrub, ornamental plant, or useful or ornamental improvement, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
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Previously Released: February 1, 2021
Just before 8:00 this morning Boise Police responded to a report of vandalism at a bronze statue of Seated Lincoln in Julia Davis Park. Officers began an investigation which included evidence shared on social media. Crews from the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Department had the paint, feces and signs cleaned up a short time later. There was no damage to the statue. Officers are following up on leads and continuing to investigate to identify who is responsible.
“Defacing a venerated object to provoke an emotional response will not help us rise to our better self,” said Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee.
"Vandalism is a crime, never appropriate, and those committing these crimes will be held accountable," said Mayor Lauren McLean. "At a time when our democracy is fragile, this is particularly disturbing as President Lincoln sought to keep our fractured nation together and to address the scourge of slavery - losing his life for it. On the first day of Black History month, it's essential to honor those in our community, reflect on our past, and work together for a better future. This terrible act detracts from progress and is an affront to those who toil daily for civil rights."