Calif. Police Nab Alleged Vandal Trying to Clean Away Evidence at Car Wash

A driver accused of damaging a park by doing “donuts” in the grass was caught trying to wash away the evidence at a local car wash, California cops said.

Residents reported “significant damage” at Balearic Park the morning of Saturday, Nov. 23, a day after the alleged vandalism, the Costa Mesa Police Department said in a Facebook post.

The department’s park ranger went to the park, searched for possible video evidence in the area and spoke with the resident who reported the damage and gave the officer information about the car and the driver’s route, police said.

Investigating officers discovered a license plate reader on a street nearby had captured video of the car, identified the driver and went to their house — where they found evidence of mud and grass but not the car or driver, police said.

Then another officer spotted the car when they drove past a local car wash, officials said.

“The vehicle had grass and mud on it and the driver was trying to power wash it clean,” the department said. “When the officer contacted the driver, it was clear she had found the culprit.”

Officers arrested the driver for felony vandalism and trying to conceal evidence, the department said.

Photos show deep tire marks across the park’s grass, as well as chunks of sod caked along the car’s tires and trailer hitch.

The park is about a 40-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.

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