Chief Edward J. Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department has charged a juvenile male following incidents of racist vandalism at a home and a synagogue that occurred earlier this month.
A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 15, OF TAUNTON is charged with:
- Property Damage to Intimidate
- Malicious Destruction to a Motor Vehicle
- Vandalizing Property (two counts)
On Friday, June 16 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Taunton Police were dispatched to a home on Everett Street for a report of vandalism. Upon arrival, officers discovered homophobic and racist graffiti spray-painted on a vehicle and recycling bin.
As officers were at the home investigating, the department received two more calls reporting additional vandalism that was found.
The callers reported graffiti at the Congregation Agudath Achim of Greater Taunton, a synagogue located at 36 Winthrop St. While investigating these reports, officers discovered a swastika and other hateful references spray-painted on the side of the synagogue. The handwriting appeared similar to that found at the Everett Street home.
Through their subsequent investigation, Taunton Police identified the JUVENILE MALE as the suspect.
The JUVENILE MALE will be summonsed to appear at Taunton Juvenile Court at a later date.
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