Arrest made in church vandalism spree in New Jersey
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.
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.
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
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