ROSA, Alabama -- The Blount County Sheriff's Department has opened an investigation of the vandalism of the Easley Covered Bridge in Rosa. Lt. R. Chastain started his investigation this morning taking photos and looking for evidence.
Vandals spray painted symbols and graffiti along the interior walls and floor of the covered bridge. The concrete ramp leading to the bridge also had graffiti painted on it.
Neighbors say the incident occurred Friday night. Susan Johnson's family attending the Cleveland High School football game and when they crossed the bridge on their way home, they noticed the vandalism.
The three remaining covered bridges in Blount County were completely renovated a couple years ago and all three have sustained various degrees of vandalism. The timing of the most recent incident couldn't come at a worse time. The annual Covered Bridge Festival in Oneonta is this weekend. One of the most important events at the festival is a tour of the Easley, Horton Mill and Swann Covered Bridges.
Johnson, a member of the Friends of the Covered Bridges of Blount County, said they are going to try to repair the damage. "My husband and I are going to try to pressure wash the spray paint off or cover it up so it will look nice for this weekend."
Chastain said the investigation is underway and he hopes to find the vandals quickly. If you have any information that could be helpful, call the Blount County Sheriff's Office.
Here is a link to the 31st annual Covered Bridge Festival.
To learn more about the historic covered bridges of Blount County, check out these links: