Five arrested after vandalism spree

Five teenagers have been charged in a recent Antioch-area vandalism spree, police announced Thursday.

The teens broke mailboxes, punctured tires, scratched vehicles and entered some sheds, garages and vehicles during a spree occurring between April 22 and 24 in unincorporated areas near Antioch, Lake County sheriff's police said. In all, 18 incidents were reported.

The crimes were committed on the 40000 block and 41000 block of Prairie Avenue, the 24000 block of Beach Grove Road, the 23000 block and 24000 block of Grass Lake Road, the 23000 block of Talon Court and the 40000 block of Gridley Drive.

An anonymous tip led to the arrests Tuesday morning at the teens' schools and other locations. Arrested were:

•Matthew S. Turner, 18, of the 1000 block of Osmond Avenue, Antioch.

• James D. Schulz, 18, of the 700 block of Summit Court, Lindenhurst.

•Kyle T. Sytsma, 18, of the 400 block of Birchwood Drive, Antioch.

•Matthew D. Larsen, 17, of the 600 block of Hillside Avenue, Antioch.

•Travis R. Kwielford, 17, of the 40000 block of Gridley Drive, Antioch.

All were charged with six felony counts of criminal damage to property, two felony counts of burglary, five misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property, one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass to vehicle and one misdemeanor count of theft.

The teens told police they committed the vandalism because they were "just out screwing around," sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Christopher Thompson said.

Sheriff Mark Curran was critical of the teens after the arrests.

"I am disgusted by the reckless nature in which these young men have carried themselves," Curran said in a news release. "With these vile actions they have severely impeded the start to their adult lives."

All five suspects posted 10 percent of $10,000 bonds and were released from custody.

Turner, Sytsma, Larsen and Kwielford are seniors at Antioch High School. Schultz is a senior at Lakes Community High School.

Both campuses are part of Antioch-Lake Villa Area High School District 117.

Superintendent Jay Sabatino said the teens could face campus disciplinary action if they were involved in extracurricular activities and signed good-conduct pledges.