Police arrest man suspected of smashing third heart sculpture

Police arrested a man Wednesday suspected of smashing a third heart sculpture in downtown Spokane, part of an art project meant to raise money for charity.

Vonnelliott K. Mitchell, 28, allegedly used a large stick to smash a fiberglass sculpture of a heart at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 600 block of West Main Avenue. Witnesses took pictures and provided a description of Mitchell, who was found shortly after by police, according to a Spokane Police Department news release.

Police are investigating whether he was also responsible for two other hearts that were found smashed Tuesday. Mitchell’s alleged method of destruction, a large stick, was different from the other two broken hearts, which appeared to be knocked over.

The hearts are part of a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser and were going to be sold to raise funds for the organization. There are still 22 other hearts that will be for sale at a gala on March 1. The funds will go toward the charity’s operating costs.

Mitchell is being charged with felony second-degree malicious mischief, possession of a controlled substance, obstructing officers, resisting arrest and has outstanding warrants, according to the news release.