West Earl Township, Pa – The West Earl Township Police Department arrested Matthew Reiff (19 YOA) from Newville, PA, Michael Stoltzfus (21 YOA) from Bird in Hand, PA, and John Kauffman (19 YOA) of Upper Leacock, PA after being caught vandalizing the Miley Road Route 222 overpass bridge.

On January 28, 2023 at approximately 10:00 PM, West Earl Township Police Sergeant Jordan Byrnes was on routine patrol when he came across a vehicle parked on Miley Road on the Route 222 overpass. When Sgt. Byrnes pulled up he observed three males standing outside the vehicle quickly put something in the trunk and closed it. When Sgt. Byrnes exited his vehicle, he observed fresh spray-painted graffiti on the bridge surface and on the walls of the bridge. Sgt. Byrnes also observed several spray paint cans on the bridge matching the same color as the fresh graffiti and he could smell the odor of fresh spray paint. An on-scene investigation led to the arrests of all three for possession of marijuana and criminal mischief. The graffiti included several “anti-police” sayings and images.

All three suspects were transported to the West Earl Township Police Department where they were processed and released. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation estimated that the cost to remove the graffiti to be over $4,000.

Sgt. Byrnes has filed charges of Criminal Mischief, Possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia against all three. Officers Josh Mertz and Zachary Crills assisted with the investigation.

This location is frequently the sight for illegal activities including criminal mischief to the overpass, illegal dumping, and illegal drug activity. West Earl Police Department has increased our patrol of the area in response to the incidents of vandalism to the bridge and roadway.

The public and media are reminded that all criminal charges are merely accusations and all subjects are innocent until proven guilty.

Eric S. Higgins
Chief of Police