Police have arrested a man they say destroyed American flags and holiday decorations at 10-15 homes.
BOGOTA - Police have arrested a man they say destroyed American flags and holiday decorations at 10-15 homes.
Christian Stephen Cartwright (Bogota PD) Christian Stephen Cartwright, 21, was charged with two counts of criminal mischief, but police say they expect more charges as families whose properties were vandalized continue to come forward and file reports.
"He was stopped 12-12:30 Tuesday morning on somebody's property," said police Det. Victor Negron. "We found scissors on him."
Negron said Cartwright had been captured on a homeowner's video surveillance camera cutting up a flag. "He fit the description of the guy on video to a T," Negron said.
"We have video of him on a couple of the incidents," Negron added.
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Flags and decorations have been destroyed for at least the past two months during late night and early morning hours, police said.
As word spread of Cartwright's arrest more homeowners came forward, Negron said.
"We think people didn't report it at first, thinking it was isolated," he said. "But as word got out, they decided to report what happened to them."
"Quite a few American flags were destroyed," Negron said.
Cartwright was released without bail pending a court hearing, police said.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.