Orange Cove library windows smashed

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Rocks flew through the windows of a local library and now one person is in jail thanks to a quick thinking business owner.

It all started around 9:30 Monday morning when workers at the Orange Cove Smog Shop, on Park Blvd., heard what sounded like shattered glass.

"He was pretty fast, threw at least 10-12 rocks, big," said Alex Enriquez.

Enriquez was tuning up a car at the shop when he says he heard a crash coming from the library across the street.

"So we looked to the side and there was a kid, breaking all the windows," he added.

Enriquez said he saw 20 year old Daniel Gonzalez Rodriguez picking up large river rocks from the library's landscaping and then launching them in rapid-fire fashion at the large tinted, dual-pane windows on the front of the building.

"I was like what the hell are you doing?" said Enriquez. "He broke at least 10 windows or more & I was surprised no one was telling him to stop."

That's when Enriquez and two other employees decided to take action.

"We went and got him," he said.

The three made a citizen's arrest and waited with the suspect until police arrived.

"Compliance is not generally always done so it was surprising he didn't fight or try to flee," said Orange Cove Police Sgt. Kevin Cosper.

11 windows were damaged in all and forced the closure of the library for the entire day. On Tuesday, maintenance workers spent hours boarding up the building and making it safe for visitors to enjoy. .

"We brought some wood frames to put up until the glass company can get back to replace the glass," said Fresno County Building Maintenance worker Mike Schwamb.

Schwamb said it could be weeks, before the company receives the order and installs the replacement glass.

"It's dual pane, its not something you can just buy of the shelf."

Police are still trying to determine why Rodriguez allegedly threw the rocks, but officers believe he has a history of mental illness.

He was arrested and booked into the Fresno County jail on suspicion of felony vandalism. The library is back open.

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orange cove, fresno county, local, linda mumma

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