Teenagers Charged With Defacing City’s Artwork

WACO, Texas (AP) — Two Central Texas teenagers have been charged with using spray paint to deface a mural done by British street artist Binty Bint. 

Waco police say 18-year-olds Preston Smith and Houston Beaty were arrested on charges of graffiti and being minors in possession of alcohol.

The Waco Chamber of Commerce commissioned the colorful mural that shows chickens and the caption "You look nice today, Wacotown." Bint painted the mural earlier this year.

Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton says officers on foot patrol Saturday saw the teens allegedly vandalize the artwork.

McLennan County jail records show Smith and Beaty were released Sunday on $5,000 bond each. No attorneys were listed for the pair from Waco.