Police arrested a 20-year-old woman and are looking for another person of interest after more than 20 instances of vandalism in which houses, cars and signs were sprayed with paint in Hollis.
Samantha Maxfield, 20, of Hollis, was charged Friday with aggravated criminal mischief with property damage exceeding $2,000. The Class C felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Troopers are looking for Emma Lewis, 18, of Limington, who they think may have been involved.
The vandalism occurred early Thursday, police said, in the area of Ropewalk Drive, Loren Lane, Mahlon Drive, Tanglewood Drive, Kingswood Drive, Cape Road and Plains Road.
It was the same area of Hollis where other recent crimes have disturbed neighbors. In one incident, a man was arrested for exposing himself to residents while riding a bike; in another, a man dressed as a clown was displaying a machete as he walked along the road.
The properties – including houses, cars and signs – were tagged with spray paint, including profane words, possibly by three to four people, police had said.
Bouffy’s Automotive Detailing of Hollis Center posted a message on Facebook offering to remove unwanted markings from the cars of Hollis residents free of charge.
On Saturday, state police were called to Ropewalk Drive by residents after a man riding a bicycle allegedly exposed himself to people, including a 7-year-old girl. Jason Cote, 34, of Buxton was charged with indecent conduct in that incident.
State police were called to the area again on Tuesday when Corey Berry, 31, of Tanglewood Drive was reported walking down the road wearing a creepy clown mask and a machete duct-taped to the stump of his amputated arm. He was charged with criminal threatening.
Anyone who has information about the incidents or knows the whereabouts of Lewis should call the Gray barracks at 657-3030 and ask to speak to Cpl. Doug Cropper.
Matt Byrne can be contacted at 791-6303 or at:
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