FRANKENMUTH The fifth suspect plans to turn himself in today.
The suspects have allegedly told Frankenmuth Police that they arrived on
Christmas morning around 2:30 and spent 20 minutes knocking over and damaging
the displays.
Wayne Bronner said around 45 figurines were damaged in some way.
Police told ABC12 the vandalism was pre-meditated.
A detective said one of the suspects started planning it around Thanksgiving.
That suspect claims to have wanted to do some sort of 'Grinch-like' act.
Police said the suspects are young adults: Two 19-year-olds and a 17, 20 and
21-year-old. At least two of them are brothers.
ABC12 was told the suspects will likely be charged with malicious destruction of
property over $20,000, and possibly conspiracy.
The Bronner family is happy someone turned them in.
"I think it's the principle .... you don't want Christmas messed with," said
Bronner's President and CEO Wayne Bronner. "They violated Christmas in many
different senses. They destroyed a nativity scene, and that was something that
people viewed as sacrilegious. I don't know the exact motives for the person
that turned them in, but it was something they couldn't tolerate. We're very
thankful they did their civic duty and turned in the people that were
responsible."
Bronner also told ABC12 when the suspects were arrested Tuesday, he made
an announcement at the store, which set off a loud round of applause.
