A window in an exterior door of the left front wall of the new Martin Luther King Center gym was vandalized and broken approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday, but those responsible for it have not been identified.
Mayor Quordiniah Lockley and City Administrator David Myers both said construction on the new gym is nearly completed and could be finished by mid-September.
Myers said it appeared six juveniles were responsible for breaking the window.
“It appears that some kids threw something through the window,” he said. “I would say on purpose. Our security system shows six juveniles actually entered the building.”
Myers said no other damage was done and, most likely, the kids did not have any specific issue with the Martin Luther King Center gym.
“I think it’s just kids being bad kids,” he said.
Myers said anyone who saw the vandalism could call city hall at (601) 684-4000 or the police department at (601) 684-3214. He noted anyone who calls with information would not have to provide their name.
The city is still looking for those who were responsible for breaking the window.
“We couldn’t get any clear pictures of these kids’ faces,” Myers said. “We’re going to be on the lookout for juveniles passing on the construction site and trespassing at this point.”
Lockley said he believed the insurance of Mitchco Construction of Hattiesburg, the company building the new gym, would cover the broken window.
“Right now, it’s under the oversight of the contractor,” he said. “It’s on their insurance, so it’s my understanding it would fall under their insurance. That’s my understanding.”
Myers said, once the gym is completed and open, the city will make an effort to keep it from being vandalized.
“There are going to be video cameras on the inside and the outside,” he said.
Myers said he would also be asking for law enforcement to pay attention to the building once it is completed, and for citizens to come forward if they see vandalism anywhere in McComb.
Lockley and Myers both praised the work Mitchco Construction and M3A Architecture of Jackson have done to make the gym a reality.
“The building outside, inside looks well,” Lockley said. “I’m very pleased with their work. One of the things that we talked about the last time I was there last week was when would the flooring get started?”
Lockley said the gym has padding around walls and the bathroom has been installed. He added he is hoping the flooring is installed this week.
“That’s probably going to be the last big things,” he said.
Myers agreed.
“The building overall is coming along very well,” he said. “It looks good on the outside and inside.”
Lockley said the gym will have a ribbon after construction is complete.
