2 boys blamed for vandalism at Fox River Trolley Museum

SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. – Authorities say two boys ages 11 and 13 are responsible for more than $100,000 in damage at the Fox River Trolley Museum in suburban Chicago.

The South Elgin museum says in a statement that dozens of windows were broken sometime between July 4 to July 7 and additional damage was done to eight cars. The museum says one car had 26 windows that were punched out by pick axes and spikes.

Jeff Bennett, the museum’s chief car officer, says repair estimates vary from $110,000 to $150,000 and could increase. The boys are facing prosecution in Kane County Juvenile Court.

The museum says it had insured only four of the cars in its collection, not all of which were damaged. It’s seeking donations from the public to help fund repairs.