Drivers on a Pennsylvania highway encountered more than the usual road debris on two evenings in August.
Pennsylvania State Police said two boys, ages 11 and 14, intentionally threw large rocks, sticks, and logs at traffic on the U.S. 30 Bypass in Valley Township, Chester County.
The incidents happened during the evening hours of Aug. 19 and Aug. 21, just east of Airport Road. Troopers have identified 17 vehicles damaged by the thrown objects, according to information provided by state police.
Two people inside the vehicles suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The boys were arrested and now face charges stemming from both nights.
Heavy Traffic
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State police said the objects included large rocks, sticks, and logs. Seventeen vehicles have been identified as having sustained damage, while two occupants were injured.
The incidents occurred on two separate evenings rather than during a single encounter. Police said the boys intentionally threw the objects at vehicles traveling on the bypass.
Reporting based on the state police information differs on precisely where the boys were positioned. Some reports describe the objects as being thrown from an overpass, while another describes them as being thrown from the roadside. State police consistently placed the incidents on the U.S. 30 Bypass just east of Airport Road.
Missiles Included
The charge list puts a more formal name on what police say was being thrown into traffic.
The boys face charges including aggravated assault, propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle, propulsion of missiles into or onto a roadway, and recklessly endangering another person, according to FOX 29’s report citing Pennsylvania State Police.
Pennsylvania law uses “missile” more broadly than the word might suggest in everyday conversation. The offense covering missiles into occupied vehicles applies to objects thrown or otherwise propelled at an occupied vehicle.
The ages of the boys mean the case is being handled in the juvenile system. Their identities have not been released.
The Count May Grow
Seventeen damaged vehicles may not be the final count.
State police said they believe there could be additional victims who have not yet been identified.
Anyone who was traveling through the area during the incidents on Aug. 19 or Aug. 21 and had a vehicle damaged by thrown debris is being asked to contact Trooper Cole Zapf at the Pennsylvania State Police Embreeville Station at 610-486-6280.