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Four Greenwich teens were arrested after being identified as the alleged culprits of the swastika painting on a western Greenwich street last week. As a result of investigation by patrol officers and special victims detectives, three of the juveniles were arrested Wednesday night and the fourth on Thursday afternoon. All were charged with breach of peace; one teen was also charged with criminal mischief.
On Monday, First Selectman Peter Tesei had vowed to catch those responsible for the vandalism. The 11-foot-by-11-foot swastika was painted on Guilford Lane, near the border of Greenwich and New York. Police say they believe Drano or an oil-based paint was used in the vandalism.
Though the swastika was painted Friday night, during the Jewish High Holy Days, Lt. Kraig Gray, spokesman for the Greenwich Police Department, said police did not believe the swastika was done with malicious intent toward any individual.
"All four suspects are 15-year-old juveniles and residents of western Greenwich," said Gray. "There are no indications that the swastika was intended to intimidate or harass any specific individual in the neighborhood."
Members of the highway division Saturday night painted over the area.
The teens allegedly painted the swastika Friday night during an evening of unruly activity that included ringing doorbells and firing off small homemade explosives. No one was injured, and no other property was damaged. Police also said they have no additional suspects in the incident.
"We are going to be stepping up our efforts to ensure this does not happen again," Tesei said in a published report.
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