Teen Arrested For Smashing Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial: Cops

UPDATE 12:15 p.m. Friday: Suffolk Police say they have arrested a 14-year-old Ronkonkoma boy for vandalizing the memorial. The teen, who police did not name because of his age, is charged with second degree criminal mischief. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Family Court on a later date.

Original story:

The centerpiece of Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park in Lake Ronkonkoma has been smashed to pieces by vandals.

A photo shared on Facebook shows the black granite stone broken into numerous pieces at the park located on Lake Shore Road. Suffolk County Police say a report was filed Thursday. No arrests have been made.

"The Fourth Precinct is assigned to the case," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said in a statement Thursday night. "We encourage anyone who may have information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. A Crime Stoppers fast cash reward of $2,500 has been made available."

Murphy, a Navy SEAL from Patchogue, was killed in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings in 2005 at the age of 29. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in protecting his comrades.

"I am at a loss for words right now," Suffolk County Legis. Bill Lindsay III wrote on his Facebook page. "The fact that LT Michael P. Murphy’s Memorial was vandalized is reprehensible."

Maureen Murphy, the mother of Lt. Michael Murphy, cuts the ribbon during a dedication ceremony for her son at Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park in Lake Ronkonkoma in 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien