Teenage Clemson fan arrested for vandalism of Howard’s Rock
The Clemson University Police Department has arrested 18-year-old Micah Rogers in connection to the vandalism of iconic Howard’s Rock.
The North Carolina native is not a student at the university, but he had a Tiger Paw sticker on his pickup window and Clemson memorabilia in his home. This is why we're calling him a "fan" in the headline. It could conceivably be part of an elaborate scheme by the suspect, so we'll update as details become available.
Rogers was tracked down via his white 1993 F-250 truck, the same vehicle that was caught on traffic and security cameras the night of the incident. The vandalism occurred on June 2, when Rogers allegedly hopped a fence at Memorial Stadium and broke off a piece of the rock that has been part of Tigers game day tradition since 1966.
Rogers was charged with one felony (malicious injury to animals or personal property valued at more than $2,000, but less than $10,000) and one misdemeanor (trespassing) according to warrants. CUPD Captain Eric Hendricks said Rogers could face up to five years of prison and/or fines if convicted. He was arrested this morning, arraigned and released pending a $5,470 bond.
The investigation is still ongoing and investigators haven’t ruled out the participation of other suspects. They also have not found the piece of the rock that was taken.
There are now increased security measures around Howard’s Rock and officials have said that if they can recover the stolen fragment it may be possible to reattach it.
Clemson Athletic Director Dan Radakovich issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the athletic department and the football coaches and players, I want to thank the Clemson University Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division and the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office for acting in a swift, thorough manner with regards to the vandalism to Howard’s Rock. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this case.”
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