Suspects charged in CHNS vandalism

   An investigation by National Park Service rangers of the fifth deliberate vandalism act of the 2010 season to resource protections areas within Cape Hatteras National Seashore has resulted in the apprehension of two suspects,Daniel Hunt, 28, from Maryland, and local resident Brian Tillett, 32 of Rodanthe. Charges have been issued to the two men for multiple violations.

  The incident occurred about 2 a.m. on the morning of July 1 on the beach near Sea Oats Drive, north of the Rodanthe Pier. Evidence of two separate sets of ATV tire tracks were observed driving south on the beach for about two miles. The vehicle entered a sea turtle protection area, performed multiple swerves, ”donuts” and jumping maneuvers.

  One set of tracks led to a cottage occupied by Hunt who confessed and identified the second driver. Hunt was charged with unsafe operation, operating an ORV in a seasonal closure, entering a resource protection area in the national seashore, giving false information, disturbing wildlife and being intoxicated in the park. His ATV was seized as evidence. Tillett was charged with unsafe operation and operating an ORV in a seasonal ORV closure and driving on a suspended license.

  If anyone has information about this or other resource protection violations that occur in the park, please call Dare Community Crime Line at 252-473-3111. Destruction of government property and entering a resource slosure are federal criminal violations, each subject up to a $5,000 fine and up to six months imprisonment.