Three local men have been charged with criminal mischief and possession of marijuana after being caught vandalizing a bridge.
According to the West Earl Township Police Department, the incident happened Jan. 28 around 10 p.m. at the Miley Road Route 222 overpass bridge.
Police say an officer was patrolling the area when he saw a parked car on the overpass. Once the officer pulled up, he saw the three men standing outside the car and quickly put something in the trunk before closing it.
The officer got out of his vehicle and reportedly saw fresh graffiti on the walls and surface of the bridge. Police say the officer also saw multiple spray paint cans on the bridge that match the color of the fresh graffiti and that he could smell fresh spray paint.
Police found marijuana and drug paraphernalia on the scene.
The men were arrested after an on-scene investigation.
Officials say the graffiti included several pieces of "anti-police" imagery and sayings.
The men were processed at the West Earl Township Police Department before being released.
According to officials, PennDOT estimates that it'll cost $4,000 to have the graffiti removed.
Authorities say the department has increased patrol in the area as the bridge is often the site of illegal activities.