UPDATED: $1,000 reward offered after new turf at L-P's Howard Fellows Stadium vandalized

The Peru Police Department reported an unknown person or persons burnt a section of the new artificial field turf at La Salle-Peru High School's venerable Howard Fellows Stadium with a Molotov cocktail early Saturday morning.

Peru Police Department and La Salle-Peru High School announced Saturday afternoon they are offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the identification of the offender[s].

L-P Superintendent Dr. Steven Wrobleski and his wife, Kristin, as well as Peru Mayor Scott Harl and his wife, Barb, will be donating their private funds to pay for the reward.

Wrobleski added he is disappointed the act occurred and hopes to see this case settled.

“I am sad and angry that someone or some individuals would think this criminal act funny,” Wrobleski said. “This type of behavior has no place in our community. I am hopeful those involved will be identified and held accountable for their actions.”

Harl is optimistic the offering of reward money for information would help the Peru Police Department find those involved quickly.

“Howard Fellows Stadium is truly a gem of the Illinois Valley, and one that makes all of us in the LPHS community proud,” Harl said. “I hope this reward offer can help bring the investigation to a successful resolution.”

At 5:33 a.m. Saturday, the Peru and La Salle police departments responded to the stadium after receiving a report of suspicious activity. When officers arrived, it was determined a Molotov cocktail — a crude incendiary device typically made using a bottle and flammable liquid — had been placed on the new field turf.

The fire was extinguished, but not before a "small section of the turf" was burnt.

The incident is under investigation, and Peru police are welcoming tips on their tip line, 815-223-1432.

This is the second act of vandalism as the school has completely rebuilt the playing surface at Howard Fellows. In late July, “2020” was etched into the gravel, forcing it to be rerolled before concussion pads and turf could be installed.