Juvenile Charged In Mischief Night Swastika Drawing In Morris Co.

HANOVER, NJ — A local juvenile was faces multiple charges after allegedly drawing a swastika on a Hanover building on Mischief Night, Hanover police said on Monday.

The juvenile's arrest came after a six-week investigation into the chalk swastika, Chief Mark D. Roddy said. Police reviewed "numerous" hours of video surveillance, and conducted several interviews before making the arrest. The juvenile was charged with criminal mischief and harassment.

Because the charged is a minor, their identity was not released by police.

Roddy strongly condemned the drawing, writing, "I sincerely hope that this extensive investigation sends a message that neither this department, nor the Township, will tolerate any signs or actions that promote insensitivity, bigotry, or hatred towards any person or group and that we will vigorously pursue any individual(s) who engage in this type of deplorable behavior."

The Hanover Township committee also spoke out against it in early November, saying in a statement, "The governing body, in the strongest possible terms, denounces any symbol of hatred, bigotry and insensitivity toward our fellow human beings. The township does not condone or support any behavior that is not respectful of any religion, ethnic group, race, creed, color, nationality or sexual orientation."

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