Two 14-year-old boys were charged with throwing rocks at a dozen cars, bringing an end to some costly hijinks. Rowan County Sheriff’s Office investigators said since at least early December, the boys had been throwing rocks at cars, causing hundreds of dollars in damages.

One of those cars belonged to patrol officer Ryan Barkley, who eventually discovered the kids chunking rocks at passersby on Red Road, which is located off Crescent Road, just beyond the East YMCA.

The boys were charged with 12 counts of misdemeanor injury to personal property.

The teens live at a mobile home park not too far from where the incidents occurred. They would hide near some woods for cover and then throw the rocks as the cars passed.

Barkley sat in a hidden location and was able to develop the two as suspects, Capt. John Sifford said.

The first known incident was reported on Dec. 18, but deputy Barkley realized he’d been a victim on Dec. 10, Sifford said.

Barkley had been traveling on Red Road and heard a loud pop. He thought it was a rock that was kicked out by his tires. When he got to a stop he saw the damage to his patrol car. He’d had a chip on the right front passenger window that caused about $300 worth in damages.

A woman reported her Honda Pilot was also struck by rocks, leaving her with $1,500 in damages. A woman driving a Chevy Tahoe reported she had $300 in damages. Authorities say the driver of a Dodge pickup also had damage to his truck that was valued at $500.

The vehicles had damaged windshields, hood and doors.

When Barkley asked the kids why they threw rocks at cars, both told him for the “adrenaline rush.”

Investigators believe there are more victims who may not realize the cause of damage to their vehicles.

Anyone who believes damage to their car was a result of being on Red Road is asked to contact Deputy Ryan Barkley at 704-216-8700.