‘It was stupid’: Vandal accused of using rocks to destroy two ATMs, store window

The alleged vandal’s epiphany came too late.

Pierce County sheriff’s deputies say the 35-year-old man destroyed two ATMs by smashing them with rocks, then threw the rocks through a store window.

After he was arrested, the man said, “Man, I shouldn’t have done that. It was stupid,” according to charging papers.

Prosecutors on Monday charged the man with two counts of second-degree malicious mischief.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.

Prosecutors said more charges might be filed.

The incident took place about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Bank employees said they recognized the man because he was there a few days before asking for money.

He was denied.

Damage of the ATM was estimated to be $3,000, records show. The storefront window shattered by two rocks was estimated to cost $2,000 to repair.

This story was originally published December 4, 2018 at 9:15 AM.