West Hartford Man Accused Of Vandalizing Pro-Israel Signs: WHPD

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police have charged a West Hartford man with vandalizing several pro-Israel signs on several roads in town over the summer.

The West Hartford Police Department announced on Tuesday, Oct. 7, that Michael Guzman, 40, turned himself in that same day to face charges of second-degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal trespassing.

Guzman was held on a $5,000 bond, pending arraignment in Hartford Community Court on Oct. 15.

Police said the charges stem from a summer probe in which multiple residents reported pro-Israel signage being vandalized on their property.

Home to the state's largest Jewish population, West Hartford has many residents supporting Israel in its battle with Hamas following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel.

Israel's war against Hamas, however, has been controversial for the impact it's having on the people of Gaza, where Hamas is based. Gaza is within Israeli territory.

Police said on Aug. 30-31, officers responded to numerous complaints of damage to pro-Israel yard signs in the area of Mohegan Drive, Mohawk Drive, Albany Avenue, and Norwood Road.

"The majority of the complaints were centered around the signs being removed from yards, cut in half, and/or discarded on the lawns," wrote the HPD on Tuesday.

Patrol officers and detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and identified a suspect tied to one of these incidents of vandalism.

Police said probable cause was developed, and Guzman was identified as the suspect.

As a result, an arrest warrant application was submitted and approved by the Hartford Community Court.

This remains an active investigation.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department through the WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.