Local News

Police Release ID Of Synagogue Vandals

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― Baltimore County Police say they know who vandalized two area synagogues. 

Mary Bubala explains one suspect was a member of one of the congregations.

Matthew Ian Saunders and Daniel Alexaner Diaz, both 19, have been charged as an adult and currently at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $50,000 bail. A juvenile male subject, 17, has been charged as a juvenile, and released into the custody of his parents. 

A quick thinking detective was near Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Beth Tfiloh early Sunday morning.  He took down the license number of a suspicious vehicle.  Two days later, it was linked to three suspects who allegedly painted swastikas and offensive comments on signs in front of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Beth Tfiloh.

"The only thing that I can assure the community is that at this point, we do not believe that this was a hate-related crime.  I can't really go into more than that," said Cpl. Mike Hill with Baltimore County Police.

Police aren't saying why the suspects vandalized the property, but they admit one of them is a member of BHC. 

"The police responded appropriately.  The synagogue responded appropriately.  It's a very unpleasant thing, but we were not overly concerned," said Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Andrew Busch. 

Investigators aren't saying much about the suspect who's a member of BHC.  Congregation leaders tell Eyewitness News they're willing to reach out to that person and his family.

Now, beyond the legal process, he has some fence mending to do.

"I'm really not at liberty to comment on that information.  Our hearts go out to anybody who was confused enough to do this and to their families trying to deal with and support them," Rabbi Busch said.

The three suspects have been charged with two counts of destruction of property and damaging the property of a religious entity.

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