Taunton police search for person responsible for vandalism at home, synagogue

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Police in Taunton are looking for the person who spray painted hateful messages at a home and a synagogue in town.

Police were called to an Everett Street home at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday for a report of vandalism.

Officers saw homophobic and racist graffiti that was spray painted on the homeowner’s car and recycling bin.

As officers investigated the incident, two more calls came in for vandalism at the Congregation Agudath Achim of Greater Taunton.

Police said the side of the synagogue was defaced with a swastika and other hateful messages.

Congregation Agudath Achim of Greater Taunton shared this security snapshot of the alleged vandal who spray painted their synagogue.

“Taunton will not stand for acts of hate and intolerance, and we will call out these malicious and hurtful acts wherever we see them,” said Chief Ed Walsh.

The department is working with leaders of the synagogue in their investigation.

Police believe the two incidents are connected, as the handwriting was similar.

Anyone with information is asked to call Taunton police at 508-824-7522.