Cabazon Man Accused Of Smashing Windows Of Local Library

CABAZON, CA — A Cabazon man is accused of smashing in the windows of the local library and then returning to the scene of the crime a week later.

Louis Angel Mendoza, 20, was arrested Monday on charges of felony vandalism in connection to the crime, which occurred earlier this month, according to sheriff's Sgt. John Carlberg.

According to Carlberg, Mendoza was caught on camera throwing rocks through multiple windows at the Cabazon Public Library on Carmen Avenue around noon on July 21.

"Deputies arrived and found several smashed windows to the library," Carlberg said in a news release. "On video surveillance, an unknown male suspect is seen throwing rocks through the 4’ x 10’ double glass front windows. Two additional large double glass windows were also smashed on the south side of the library with rocks."

Mendoza never went inside the library following the incident, but the shattered glass — $2,000 worth of damage — triggered the alarm, according to the sergeant.

On Monday morning, library staff recognized Mendoza as he arrived at the location again, according to Carlberg.

"The library staff called the Sheriff’s Department regarding a possible suspect to the vandalism was back at the library," he said, adding that deputies went to the scene to question him.

"Mendoza was confirmed as the suspect seen in the surveillance video throwing the rocks through the front windows," he said.

Mendoza was arrested and taken to the Banning jail. Booking records were not immediately available.