Clemson Police Arrest Alleged Tigers Fan Who Vandalized Howard's Rock

Clemson University police have made an arrest in connection with the vandalism of Howard's Rock—the legendary artifact the Tiger football players touch as they take the field on game day in Death Valley.

The school issued a statement Friday, announcing the arrest of 18-year-old Micah Rogers of Pisgah Forest, N.C., in the incident that resulted in 15 percent of the original rock being broken off.

Rogers was charged with one felony: malicious injury to animals or personal property valued at more than $2,000 but less than $10,000; and one misdemeanor: trespassing, unlawful entry into enclosed places.

Earlier this month, Clemson University police released a photograph of a pickup truck that was seen approaching and departing the scene June 2—the night the vandalism occurred—around 11:30 p.m. EDT, as published by Aaron Brenner of The Post and Courier.

Though just one arrest has been made so far, Brenner's report mentioned that three individuals were seen piling out of the white truck on the night of June 2.

In Clemson's official statement, Capt. Eric Hendricks stated that the vandalism was partially captured by security cameras and added that the suspect was identified by a witness.

Rogers appeared in Clemson University Municipal Court Friday morning and was released on personal recognizance bond of $5,470.

Clemson Athletic Director Dan Radakovich also gave a statement, thanking the Clemson University police department:

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On behalf of the athletic department and the football coaches and players, I want to thank the Clemson University Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division and the Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office for acting in a swift, thorough manner with regards to the vandalism to Howard’s Rock. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in this case.

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According to a report from Brenner Friday, Rogers has a Clemson paw decal and Tigers memorabilia at his home, leading police to conclude that the vandalism wasn't the motive of a rival fan.

In addition to a portion of the rock being broken, the protective casing around the rock was destroyed, and that missing portion is yet to be recovered.

The investigation is still ongoing.