David Hearn, a 67-year-old Olympic canoeist, has been accused of vandalizing the iconic Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Hearn, who represented the United States in three Summer Olympics, denied the accusations, stating that he only reached into the pool to examine the peeling new coating.
Background
Hearn’s curiosity and previous encounters with the U.S. Park Police have led to his current situation. He was previously arrested by the U.S. Park Police nearly 30 years ago for paddling in the Potomac River during a flood, but he was able to beat the charges due to a technicality.
Hearn’s family has a strong background in canoeing and kayaking. His father, Carter Hearn, was a geologist and expert canoeist, and his older sister, Cathy, is a two-time Olympian in women’s kayak. Hearn’s wife, Jennifer, was also a member of the USACK Women’s National Slalom Team and served as his paddling coach from 1996 to 2001.
Hearn was finishing up a 52-mile bike ride when he stopped by the Reflecting Pool and reached into the water. He insists that he didn’t pull or tear anything, but he was still surrounded by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police officers. Hearn was charged with a misdemeanor for destruction of government property and is set to appear in court next month.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
