Suspect arrested for petroglyph vandalism in southern Utah

KANAB, Utah – A woman suspected of destroying petroglyphs in southern Utah has been arrested.

The defaced petroglyph panel is located near the BLM’s Wire Pass Trail in Kane County.

The arrest was thanks in part to the public’s help, said BLM Paria River District Manager Harry Barber.

“We appreciate the public stepping in and at least providing us with information. “In this case, the public realized what was going on,” Barber said in a statement on YouTube.

In this case, Barber said, members of the public observed the vandalism, told the suspects that what they were doing wasn’t right, and then took photos as the vandalism continued. Barber said the photos were particularly helpful and led to an arrest.

The suspect, Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, is being held in Washington County. She was taken into custody in St. George on November 30.

ALLEGED VANDAL ARRESTED – Thanks to widespread support and vigilance, an arrest was made for vandalism at the BLM’s Wire Pass Trail Petroglyph Cultural Site in Kane Co. The suspect was taken into custody by the BLM on November 30th for felony charges in St. George Law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/99ChHxy0Xw

— Bureau of Land Management Utah (@BLMUtah) December 3, 2024

Earlier Monday, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that “individuals from the Wire Pass defacement incident have been located and officers have been in contact with them.”

Wire Pass is a day hike and, according to the BLM, “is used as a start or end point for excursions through Buckskin Gulch and Paria Canyon.”

(U.S. Geological Survey)

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