EAST LYME, CT (WFSB) – Seven children were arrested for putting up racist and religiously offensive graffiti at a park in East Lyme.
Police said that the children ranged in age from 12 to 14. Their identities were not released because they were juveniles.
The graffiti and vandalism was found in bathroom facilities at McCook’s Point Park and the rear of a building on Main Street in town.
Police said they were able to identify the suspects through surveillance video.
One of the suspects, a 14-year-old boy, was charged with two counts of intimidation based on bigotry/biased.
The rest, which included two 14-year-old boys, a 12-year-old boy, and three 14-year-old girls, were charged with third-degree criminal mischief.
The suspects were referred to juvenile court.
“This investigation continues and additional arrests are anticipated,” said Chief Michael Finkelstein, East Lyme police. “The East Lyme Police Department has zero tolerance towards any demonstration of speech or actions that discriminate against any part of our community.”
Police thanked multiple witnesses who helped with the investigation.
They urged people to report suspicious activity to them at 860-739-5900.
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