Arrest made in church vandalism spree in New Jersey

Tuesday, July 28, 2020
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WABC) -- A suspect has been arrested after multiple houses of worship vandalized over a two-month span in New Jersey.

Police announced the arrest of 34-year-old Natalee Hamilton Tuesday.
[Ads /]
In each case of vandalism, officials say the suspect smashed out the building windows with rocks.

The locations victimized include Westminster Presbyterian Church, New Monmouth Baptist Church at 4 Cherry Tree Farm Road and Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Middletown Township.

Authorities say the vandalism first occurred at Westminster Presbyterian Church on June 1 and a second time at New Monmouth Baptist on July 14. Then, all three houses of worship were attacked on July 19.

On Sunday, Westminster Presbyterian Church was victimized a third time. The initial incidents occurred during overnight hours.
[Ads /]
However, the latest incident at Westminster Presbyterian Church happened during broad daylight, occurring at approximately 11 a.m., while parishioners were still present at the church.



The matter is being treated as a possible bias crime and is currently under investigation by Detective First Class Darrin Simon. Anyone with information is asked to call the Middletown Police Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120

----------
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.