And apparently the person of interest has, of all things, a Clemson sticker on the truck used to commit the crime. Go figure.
Clemson police announced on Friday they had arrested 18-year-old Micah Rogers (pictured) of North Carolina in connection to the vandalism of the iconic Howard’s Rock earlier this month. Rogers has been charged with one felony count of malicious injury to animals or personal property valued at more than $2,000, but less than $10,000. He is also facing one misdemeanor count of trespassing.
Police Capt. Eric Hendricks said Rogers was captured on surveillance and identified by a witness. Rogers has already released on bond, and according to Hendricks, owns Tigers memorabilia (LOLWUT?). The investigation is currently ongoing as a portion of the rock is still missing and other arrests could be coming.
Police had previously released surveillance video and photos of a white truck believed to be connected to the vandalism, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. The incident, which resulted in a portion of the rock being chipped away, is said to have happened on June 2.
“On behalf of the athletic department and the football coaches and players, I want to thank the Clemson University Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division and the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office for acting in a swift, thorough manner with regards to the vandalism to Howard’s Rock,” said Clemson Athletic Director Dan Radakovich. “We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this case.”
Howard’s Rock was named in honor of legendary Tigers head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Frank Howard. Touching the rock before running down the hill into Clemson’s Memorial Stadium is one of the great traditions in all of college football.