Vandals strike again, police say

Ottawa police hope you can help them find out who apparently has been using a sling shot to damage windows at local businesses.

Eleven businesses have reported damaged windows since Friday, a report from the Ottawa Police Department said. Damage mostly has been reported from the north to south ends of Ottawa along Main Street, Lt. Adam Weingartner said.

“We suspect those responsible are driving a vehicle and using a sling shot targeting businesses,” Weingartner said.

Officers have recovered 3/8-inch steel hunting shot balls, similar to a large ball bearing, at several of the crime scenes, Weingartner said.

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person or people responsible for the damage.

The damaged businesses include:

• KFC, 2121 S. Princeton St.

• Payday Advance, 1532 S. Main St.

• Gerken Rent-All, 120 E. 15th St.

• Gollier Rehabilitation Center, 901 S. Main St.

• The Ottawa Herald, 104 S. Cedar St.

• Kansas Gas Service, 1300 E. Logan St.

• Mitchells Floor Coverings, 115 W. Third St.

• Payday Advance, 112 N. Main St.

• Cash 2 Go, 104 E. Logan St.

• Turner Flowers, 231 S. Main St.

• Ransom Memorial Hospital, 1301 S. Main St.

Police ask anyone with information about this crime to call the Ottawa Police Department at (785) 242-2561 or Franklin County Crime Stoppers at (888) 311-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a reward.