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Persons who allegedly vandalized Council Bluffs golf course arrested Tue.

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August 13th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

A report in the Omaha World-Herald says four Council Bluffs men were taken into custody Tuesday night in connection with a vandalism spree at a golfing facility in Council Bluffs. Sheriff’s officials told the paper the three 18-year old’s and one 19-year old were each booked into the Pottawattamie County Jail on a felony, suspicion of first-degree criminal mischief, charge. The arrest of Spencer Dolch, Andrew Ryan, Alberto Espinoza and Payton Hiffernan, followed an incident that took place Monday night, at the Bent Tree Golf Club.

Authorities said the young men walked off with all of the 18-hole course’s flag sticks and tore up 15 greens using a four-wheel-drive ATV. An area resident saw one of the 18-year-olds riding an ATV before the vandalism occurred. The resident contacted deputies, who questioned the teen and later arrested him and the others.

Tony Driscoll, head golf professional, told the paper he couldn’t put an exact value on the damage. He did mention however, that the flag sticks were valued at $100 each, and each of the damaged greens were worth up to $50,000. The semi-private course is at 238th Street and U.S. Highway 6 was open Tuesday after repairs were made.