Man charged with damaging Marion mural

MARION - A man who was caught on surveillance footage in February damaging a mural in Uptown Marion was identified on social media and charged by the Marion Police Department Friday, authorities said.

Ryan James, 37, was charged with second degree criminal mischief for damaging the Midnight Wonder mural on the 700 block of Tenth Street in Marion, according to a news release.

The painting is part of the Uptown Artway displays, an effort by the city to install art in the public alleyways to encourage visitors to downtown Marion. The art was damaged on Feb. 11.

Police shared a surveillance image on the Marion Iowa Police social media account, and James was identified by the public. James was released after agreeing to appear in court at a later date, according to the release.

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