Last Updated on August 12, 2026 5:30 pm
Beginning in late 2025, the Boone Police Department began investigating multiple incidents of graffiti and vandalism occurring in and around Downtown Boone. Using evidence gathered from multiple sources, officers and investigators identified several individuals believed to be responsible for these incidents.
The investigation has included the efforts of Sgt. Geoff Hayes, Boone Police Department's Downtown Officer, who works closely with downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and community partners, along with members of the Department's Criminal Investigations Division.
As of August 2026, the following individuals have been charged in connection with the investigation:
- Angelina Pia Senchak, 23, of Boone, was charged on May 30, 2026, with three counts of Injury to Real Property.
- Thomas Bradford Weil, 21, of Boone, was charged on June 18, 2026, with one count of Injury to Real Property.
- Nikolas William Mason, 21, of Morehead City, was charged on July 20, 2026, with two counts of Vandalism.
- William Randall Eller, 20, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was charged on August 4, 2026, with two counts of Vandalism.
Investigators have also identified an additional adult suspect, and warrants have been issued but have not yet been served. Two juvenile suspects have also been identified. One of those juveniles has been referred to the appropriate juvenile justice authorities for consideration of charges in juvenile court.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are anticipated.
“Graffiti and vandalism affect more than the property that is damaged — they impact our downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors,” said Major Jon Houck. “We are extremely proud of the persistence and dedication shown by Sgt. Geoff Hayes and our Criminal Investigations Division in identifying those responsible for these incidents. We will continue working with our businesses, property owners, and community partners to address vandalism, hold those responsible accountable, and help keep our downtown welcoming for everyone.”
Major Houck added, “We would also like to thank Boone Public Works and the Downtown Boone Development Association for their continued assistance and cooperation. Addressing this issue takes a coordinated effort, and their partnership has been invaluable.”
Community Graffiti Clean-Up Day
In addition to investigative effort, the Boone Police Department and its community partners are working to turn the response to graffiti into an opportunity to bring people together.
A Downtown Graffiti Clean-Up Day is being planned for late summer, with Sgt. Geoff Hayes leading the cleanup coordination effort in conjunction with the Downtown Boone Development Association.
Appalachian State University students and student organizations, area high school groups, civic organizations, downtown businesses, and other concerned citizens are encouraged to take part. The event will give community members an opportunity to work together to remove graffiti and improve the appearance of the downtown area.
“Downtown Boone is a place a lot of people care about,” said Sgt. Hayes. “Our businesses, residents, students, and visitors all have a connection to downtown. We hope this clean-up gives people a chance to come out, work together, and show some pride in the community. It's a good opportunity to take something negative and do something positive with it.”
Individuals, student groups, schools, civic organizations, businesses, and others interested in participating in the Downtown Graffiti Clean-Up Day may contact Sgt. Geoff Hayes at geoff.hayes@boonenc.gov. Additional details, including the date, time, meeting location, and volunteer information, will be announced as plans are finalized.
Help Us Protect Our Community
The Boone Police Department encourages property owners and members of the public to promptly report graffiti, vandalism, or other suspicious activities. Timely reporting allows officers to document damage, preserve potential evidence, and identify possible connections between incidents.
Residents and visitors can also use the Boone Police Department mobile app, available for download through the Apple App Store and Google Play, to report crimes and provide information to the Department.
The Boone Police Department remains committed to working with residents, businesses, students, and community partners to keep Downtown Boone safe, clean, and welcoming.
All persons charged with a criminal offense are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
