Youth, 16, apologizes for crimes

A boy who helped cause thousands of dollars of damage in vandalism in Kalispell wants residents to know he's sorry and that the gang called the 406 Crips doesn't exist.

Four boys were arrested by Kalispell police in July for gang-themed graffiti on churches, the library, commercial buildings, vehicles and homes.

They spray-painted "406 Crips" - designating Montana's telephone area code and affiliation with the national gang.

Kalispell police said the boys wore blue bandanas to signify gang affiliation, and one of the youths said his arm was broken in an initiation rite.

Tylin Bates, 16, denounced his actions and apologized for what they did.

Bates wrote a letter to the community, saying, "I am very sorry and it was a stupid thing to do.

"I'm not a gangster. I just had an image that I was being cool by spray painting on your buildings.

"I am most willing to do all the community service I can do in trade for your forgiveness."

Bates later said the group formed because, "We saw safety in numbers. We were tired of getting picked on because of the way we dress."

About 15 youths were involved in the faux gang, he said. They confronted the "hicks" clique and "they stopped bothering us," Bates said. He said the graffiti and gang gear were just ways to establish their reputations as youths who wouldn't be pushed around.

His mother, Larissa, said, "I don't really honestly know why Ty did this.

"Why would you want to go vandalize the city?"

She said she's a member of the community, too, and doesn't want to see graffiti from gangs in town, either.

Her son is paying the price, she said.

He's on probation for two years for felony criminal mischief.

He spent seven days in jail.

He owes thousands of dollars of restitution to his victims.

"He had to learn the hard way," she said.

"I think it's changed his life."

Bates said he wants to meet with his victims to talk about the damage and "work it off or pay it off."

He has a restaurant job that will help, he said.

"I'm disappointed in myself for doing this stuff."

The other boys arrested by Kalispell police are Jayme Le Duc, 14; John Cooper, 17; and Jason Haigler, 16.