Suspect identified in Front Street Park vandalism case

Zachary A. Soltis

LEAVENWORTH – The Chelan County Sheriff's Office has identified Zachary Soltis of Texas as the suspect in the December vandalism of Front Street Park, also known as Gazebo Park. The incident, which temporarily disrupted holiday sledding activities, occurred around 1:00 a.m. on December 22.

According to the sheriff's office, Soltis allegedly drove a pickup truck recklessly through the park, causing extensive damage before fleeing the area. The sheriff's office has established probable cause for Soltis's arrest on charges of Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree and Reckless Driving.

The incident was captured on camera, with members of the car interest group Street Phantoms present during the vandalism. A photographer using the Instagram handle 509.visuals_, who was part of the group, previously stated they had provided authorities with evidence and information about the driver.

The city temporarily closed the park on December 22 to assess and repair the damage, which included deep rivets in a 90-by-50-foot section of lawn typically used as a sledding hill during winter months. Thanks to city staff efforts and recent snowfall, the park has since reopened to sledding over the holiday week.

"The Chelan County Sheriff's Office, City of Leavenworth, and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce are working together to accurately assess the extent of damages," said Kara Raftery, City of Leavenworth Communications and Special Projects Manager.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office is working with the County Prosecuting Attorney's Office to file formal charges against Soltis.