No charges for holiday vandals

They still might get coal in their stockings, but six teens will not be slapped with criminal charges for vandalizing Christmas decorations at a Hoffman Estates home and sending its owner to the hospital.

The six were taken into custody Tuesday but were released without charges after the victim chose not to pursue them, Hoffman Estates Sgt. Jim Campbell said.

The incident occurred about 11 p.m. Nov. 30 outside Phillip O'Brill's home on Winston Drive.

O'Brill and his wife had heard a commotion outside and when they went to investigate, they saw a group of teens destroying their award-winning Christmas decorations.

The teens ruined hundreds of dollars in decorations. Police said they tore up faux Christmas trees, ripped through electrical cords and smashed a goose statuette into pieces.

When O'Brill went out to confront the vandals, police said they ran to their car and tried to drive off.

Trying to stop them, O'Brill clung to the side of the car and was dragged down the street before finally falling off.

The incident left O'Brill in the hospital for a night while he was treated for his injuries.

O'Brill could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Campbell said the juveniles, all of whom are 16, were caught after an investigation conducted by Hoffman Estates and Palatine police.

Four of the teens were from Hoffman Estates, one from Palatine and one from Inverness, Campbell said.

While O'Brill still could try and recoup money for the damage done, Campbell said the teens will not be facing any criminal charges.

"As far as police are concerned," Campbell said, "this case is closed."