Three teenagers have been detained for destroying and burning down the renowned historic Sleepy Hollow lighthouse in a “heartbreaking” incident just a year after its multimillion-dollar refurbishment, according to officials.
Elvin Ayavaca, 18, of White Plains, Richard Barrero, 19, of Harrison, and an unnamed 17-year-old caused at least $100,000 in damage to the lovely 142-year-old monument, according to a news statement issued by Westchester County Police on Friday.
The three was charged with arson, burglary, and criminal mischief after being seen on camera walking over a bridge leading to the lighthouse Saturday, according to authorities. A fourth suspect remains at large.
The juvenile suspects are accused of jumping a barred fence at the “cherished” lighthouse at 3:30 a.m., smashing a window, and climbing inside the towering red-and-white edifice.
Once inside, they allegedly lighted parts of the bottom level, which is set up as a museum, and damaged antique furniture and at least 35 valuable books.
The vandalism occurred a year after the county announced a $3.4 million refurbishment of the lighthouse’s interior, which included the restoration of its historic spotlight. The destruction provoked neighbourhood outrage and numerous police tips, according to Westchester County Police Public Information Officer Kieran O’Leary, who spoke with The Post on Wednesday.
The teens were arraigned in Sleepy Hollow Village Court on felony charges, according to police, who declined to name the 17-year-old because he is a juvenile.
Built in 1883, the lighthouse at Kingsland Point Park previously housed a family on the Hudson River’s banks and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It’s disappointing and heartbreaking to see this kind of damage that was completely unnecessary,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins told News 12 earlier this week.
O’Leary said of the lighthouse, “It’s a treasured landmark.”
“Everybody in Westchester is really upset about it.”
