Accused: Volunteer Firefighters Allegedly Unleashed Deluge on Little League Field in Retaliation

In a shocking turn of events that has reverberated through the tight-knit community of Havre de Grace, Maryland, four volunteer firefighters stand accused of a brazen act of vandalism, allegedly transforming a beloved Little League baseball field into a waterlogged quagmire. The incident, which has sparked outrage and disbelief, reportedly stemmed from a contentious dispute over the use of the very fields meant for local youth sports.

The Susquehanna Hose Company, a pillar of public service in the area, now finds itself at the center of a criminal investigation.

Justin Michael Doolan, 33, Simon Gonzalez, 22, Brendan Michael Goldsmith, 20, and Joshua Daniel Klingenstein, 20, all volunteers with the company, face charges of malicious destruction of property and second-degree malicious mischief. The core of the accusation? That these individuals intentionally used a fire engine and its powerful hose to douse the diamond at the Havre de Grace Little League complex, rendering it unusable.

According to authorities, the alleged motive behind this destructive act was a bitter disagreement concerning the fire department's long-standing annual carnival.

For years, the Susquehanna Hose Company had utilized the baseball fields for their event. However, this year, the city's parks and recreation director had denied their request to use the specific fields, offering an alternative location instead. It's believed that the accused firefighters felt they had a tacit agreement based on prior years, and this denial ignited a fuse that led to the alleged retaliatory flooding.

The consequences of this alleged midnight deluge are severe.

Officials estimate the damage to the baseball field to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, necessitating extensive repairs before the eagerly anticipated Little League season can commence. With 400 enthusiastic children enrolled in the league, the incident casts a long shadow over their upcoming games and practices, threatening to delay or even derail the start of their season.

The Susquehanna Hose Company has publicly expressed profound dismay and embarrassment over the allegations, unequivocally condemning the actions of their members if proven true.

In a swift response, the accused firefighters have been suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation, underscoring the gravity with which the department views these serious charges. The community of Havre de Grace now watches, grappling with the alleged actions of individuals once sworn to protect, as the full extent of this unfortunate incident unfolds.