More Than 100 Gravestones Damaged At Albert Lea Cemetery

ALBERT LEA (AP) - More than 100 gravestones have been toppled or smashed at a cemetery in Albert Lea, the third act of vandalism there this year.

Graceland Cemetery caretakers say the vandalism is overwhelming.

Cemetery administrator Alan Christensen says he believes the most recent vandalism happened Sunday night. He became aware of the damage Monday morning after a visitor called him about it.

Early estimates indicate the cost of the damage to be over $14,000. Several of the damaged gravestones date back to the 1880s, and the light illuminating the cemetery's veterans memorial was smashed to pieces.

Christensen says he believes the vandals used two baseball bats that were left at the veterans memorial.

The Albert Lea Police Department is investigating, but no arrests have been made so far.