Headstones Vandalized At Bristol Cemetery

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bristol Township Police Department is investigating several incidents of vandalism at Bristol Cemetery, including one that took place on Sunday.

Sgt. Jason Mancuso said at 4:23 a.m. Sunday patrol units discovered an individual who started a fire in an outdoor trash receptacle within the cemetery's property.

The individual was taken into custody and arraigned several hours later.

Mancuso would not say if the incident is linked to other recent vandalism incidents at the cemetery, which are under investigation.

Bristol Township Police Chief Robert A. Coulton said his department is actively investigating a "disturbing act of vandalism" that occurred at Bristol Cemetery, where multiple headstones were found damaged last week.

Officers responded to the cemetery after receiving reports of vandalism and discovered that several grave markers had been deliberately defaced with paint.

"This act of desecration is not only a criminal offense but a deeply disrespectful affront to the memory of the deceased and the families who care for them," the police chief said. "Our department takes this matter extremely seriously. We understand how deeply upsetting this is for the loved ones affected and for the entire Bristol Township community. We are committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice."

Bristol Township Police is utilizing all available investigative tools, including forensic analysis, surveillance footage, and community outreach, to identify and apprehend the individual(s) responsible.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incidents to come forward.

Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling our Crime Tip Line at 215-788-8289 or emailing crimetips@bristolpd.org. You can also reach out to Sergeant Patrick Kitchenman at pkitchenman160@bristolpd.org.

As a precaution, the department will increase patrols around local cemeteries to deter any further
incidents.

"This is a violation that goes beyond property damage — it strikes at the heart of our community," the police chief said.