Morris prosecutor: Vandalism of black churches in Morristown, Morris Township possible ‘bias crime’

This sign outside Morristown's Union Baptist Church was vandalized, too. Nov. 25, 2017. Photo courtesy of Bethel A.M.E. Church.
This sign outside Morristown's Union Baptist Church was vandalized, too. Nov. 25, 2017. Photo courtesy of Bethel A.M.E. Church.
1

 

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.

Morris Prosecutor logo“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.

If you’ve read this far… you clearly value your local news. Now we need your help to keep producing the local coverage you depend on! More people are reading Morristown Green than ever. But costs keep rising. Reporting the news takes time, money and hard work. We do it because we, like you, believe an informed citizenry is vital to a healthy community.

So please, CONTRIBUTE to MG or become a monthly SUBSCRIBER. ADVERTISE on Morristown Green. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter, and SIGN UP for our newsletter.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY