Vandalism of five African American churches in Greater Morristown is being treated as a “possible bias crime,” the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office said on Saturday night.
Morristown Green reported earlier that four Morristown churches had sustained exterior damage late on Friday or early Saturday; the Prosecutor’s Office named a fifth one in Morris Township: The Morristown Church of Christ on Martin Luther King Avenue.
“The vandalism was limited to property damage including a broken stained glass window and broken or damaged exterior signs,” said a statement from Prosecutor Fredric Knapp.
“The incidents are being treated as a possible Bias Crime, however the investigation is currently active and no further information will be released at this time.”
Other affected churches are Bethel A.M.E., the Church of God in Christ for All Saints, Calvary Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church.
Churchgoers can expect to see plenty of police on Sunday morning.
“Police will be increasing their presence at all local churches to ensure the continued safety of all community members, however we ask that people remain vigilant and call police if any suspicious activity is observed,” the Prosecutor’s statement said.
Anyone with information is asked to callt the Prosecutor’s Bias Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200, Morristown Police at 973-538-2200, or Morris Township Police at 973-539-0777.
Anonymous tips also can be made through Crime Stoppers at 973-COP-CALL (973-267-2255), or at http://www.morriscrimestoppers.org.
Sat &Sun, Dec 1 & 2, is the Civil War encampment at Historic Speedwell. 333 Speedwell Ave.