Two Arrested For Trying To Steal Capitol Tree Ornaments

SACRAMENTO (AP) — The California Highway Patrol has arrested two men who officers said were stealing ornaments off the Capitol Christmas tree.

Several glass ornaments were broken, including one that was hand-painted by special education students.

CHP spokesman Sean Kennedy said Thursday that an officer caught the men pulling oversized ornaments off the 48-foot white fir over the weekend. The tree sits outside the Capitol near the west steps.

The men, 31-year-old Marquies Alexis and 32-year-old Bruce Anderson IV, were arrested about 2 a.m. Saturday. They were booked into Sacramento County Jail on charges of petty theft and vandalism.

Kennedy says Anderson also faces a charge of resisting arrest.

(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press)