Advertisement

Vanessa Hudgens suspected of vandalism, cops investigating

Vanessa Hudgens attends the FOX Winter TCA 2016 All-Star Party at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 15, 2016 in Pasadena, California. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

SEDONA, Ariz. — A heart carved into red rock is drawing the attention of authorities in Arizona who are investigating to see if actress Vanessa Hudgens is the culprit.

Vanessa Hudgens' alleged vandalism
Instagram

Hudgens posted a photo of the carving, bearing the names Vanessa and Austin (her boyfriend, Austin Butler), on her Instagram page Sunday but later removed it. Other photos with the hashtag “sedonadreams” still appeared on the site Tuesday.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Poor ticket sales force closure of ‘Gigi’ starring Vanessa Hudgens

The media brought the photo to the attention of the Coconino National Forest, which manages land around Sedona renowned for the towering red rocks, spokesman Brady Smith said. Authorities are investigating the incident, he said Tuesday.

A representative for Hudgens, 27, did not immediately respond to messages left by The Associated Press. Hudgens recently appeared on Fox’s live production of Grease. She’s best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical television show and movie.

Story continues below advertisement

Smith said he isn’t sure whether law enforcement has located a heart that matches the one posted by Hudgens within the forest’s 250 square-mile Red Rock Ranger District. Authorities will be researching social media posts and trying to contact any witnesses, he said.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: 3 Alberta sisters among Rockettes at Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Damaging a natural feature on U.S. Forest Service land is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine. Smith said he’s unaware of any signs in the district to inform people of the law. Forest officials try to maintain the natural beauty of the area, he said.

Story continues below advertisement

“People make mistakes whether knowingly or unknowingly,” Smith said.

But that doesn’t excuse illegal activity, he added.

Sponsored content

AdChoices