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A surveillance image posted on Daily Voice and elsewhere helped lead detectives to Mahwah resident Marcello Allegra, 49, Police Chief James N. Batelli said. He was issued a summons to appear in court, the chief said.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
MAHWAH, N.J. – Mahwah police sought the public’s help Tuesday finding a couple recorded by a passing motorist damaging an eruv.
There's a combined $27,000 in reward money on the table.
Images show a white, dark-haired middle-aged man in a black shirt vandalizing an Orange & Rockland utility pole on Airmont Avenue near Masonicus Road just before 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Police Chief James N. Batelli told Daily Voice.
“A short distance away, a white female, middle aged, dark hair, black pants, white or tan shirt is seen standing in close proximity to him and possibly texting on her cell phone,” Batelli said.
Also seen, the chief said, is a black 2017 Audi Q5 or Q7, with New Jersey license plates. The first three characters on the plate may be W26, he said.
The vandalism, like two previous incidents in the township, are being investigated as a bias crime, Batelli said.
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ALSO SEE: The damage – found in several separate locations – “is being investigated as a hate crime or bias crime because the crime targeted a protected class,” the chief said.
https://mahwah.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/mahwah-eruvs-vandalized-investigated-as-bias-crime/717614/
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“It has become a clear pattern of attacks and damage to the eruvin for what they represent,” the chief said. “Hate crimes send a corrupt message that some Americans deserve to be victimized solely because of who they are.”
If you can identify either or both people in the photo, or the vehicle, Batelli asked that you contact Detective Sgt. Kevin Hebert at (201) 529-1000, ext. 220 or email: tips@mahwahpd.org.
“All information will remain strictly confidential,” the chief said.
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ALSO SEE: New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino posted a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever vandalized a recently-erected eruv in Mahwah -- increasing the overall amount to $27,000.
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