Police say a couple of Delaware teenagers were caught red-handed, literally, after an alleged spray-painted spree that may have included gay slurs.
The alleged vandalism happened Thursday night into Friday morning in the Fir Drive and Shady Ridge Drive area of Rehoboth, according to Delaware State Police.
The suspects — a 17-year-old boy from Lewes and a 17-year-old boy from Rehoboth — were found in a nearby home after a Fir Drive resident saw a male spray-painting his headlights red and then running off to the home, police said.
A trooper found the boys in the home with red paint on their hands and face, according to cops.
Further investigation revealed other cars as well as homes and fences spray-painted red. In total six people ranging from 36 to 80 years old were victimized, police said.
One victim on Shady Ridge Drive had anti-gay comments painted on his house and car, cops said.
Due to the gay slurs, the boys were charged not only with conspiracy and six counts of criminal mischief but also one hate crime charge.
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Each boy was released to the custody of his parents pending a family court appearance, cops said.
