Hockey Player and Classmate Arrested for Vandalism

Two New Canaan High Schools students—one a star hockey player—turned themselves Wednesday after allegedly being caught on tape vandalizing a mailbox during winter break.

A security camera belonging to a house on Indian Rock Road recorded a person get out of a vehicle and bash a mailbox at the end of the driveway with a baseball bat around 2:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. The homeowner reported the incident, estimating about $200 worth of damage, later that morning. Police received calls about four other vandalized mailboxes that Saturday that may be linked, but formal complaints were not filed.

Police used the video from the house on Indian Rock to identify 18-year-old James "Bo" McGinniss as the suspected perpetrator and another 17-year-old boy as the suspected driver of the vehicle. Police believe there may have been other passengers in the car, but no one else has yet been named.

A warrant for McGinniss' arrest was issued March 16, in the midst of the state hockey tournament. McGinniss, co-captain of the Rams team, was suspended for the semifinal game against Fairfield Prep, which New Canaan lost 4-3.

Before the start of a season, NCHS requires student athletes and their parents to sign a statement saying that they have read the Athletic Department's handbook, which includes a code of conduct. The conduct rules state that, "a student athlete's violation of any NCHS rule, athletic policy or public law may result in suspension or removal from an athletic team."

While he said that he could not comment on this case in particular, Athletic Director Jay Egan said, "In the past we have acted when we've had knowledge of behavior that violates our code of conduct."

McGinniss, who waited a week to turn himself in after police called to notify him of the warrant out for his arrest, now faces a charge of criminal mischief in the 2nd degree. He was released Wednesday on $500 bond and is due in Norwalk Court April 6.

The 17-year-old did respond to police calls letting him know a warrant against him was pending, and turned himself the day after it was officially issued March 23. He was charged with conspiracy to commit criminal mischief in the 2nd degree and driving after 11 p.m. in violation of Connecticut's curfew restricting drivers under 18.

"This is part of the reason why I support the restrictions on teen driving," said New Canaan Police Sgt. Carol Ogrinc. "Only bad things happen after midnight."

The 17-year-old posted $2,500 bond and is due in Norwalk Juvenile Court April 7.