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Man Arrested After Vandalizing State Capitol

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A 21-year-old man was in jail Monday after authorities say he vandalized the Capitol, the state treasurer's office and Sacramento City Hall.

Richard Michael Dopkins of West Sacramento told authorities he went on the spree Sunday night to get the attention of government, California Highway Patrol Officer Sean Kennedy said.

The suspect allegedly tossed concrete and rocks at windows and doors on the west, south and north sides of the Capitol. Glass shattered and wooden door frames were damaged.

Kennedy said Dopkins then went across the street to the Jesse Unruh Building, which houses the state treasurer's office, and caused more damage. The suspect also threw a rock at a glass door at one of the two buildings in the city hall complex, he said.

Sacramento police officers arrested Dopkins at about 9:30 p.m. without incident. On Monday, Kennedy said Dopkins told police "he had a lot of solutions that government needed to know about."

The CHP will recommend a charge of felony vandalism for causing more than $400 in property damage.

Dopkins was being held in Sacramento County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bond and was awaiting an initial court appearance, scheduled for Tuesday.

The Yolo County District Attorney's office said Dopkins was on probation for a misdemeanor second-degree burglary.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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