Israeli Flag Cut Down, Police Charge Newtown Woman With Bias Crime

NEWTOWN, CT — Police have charged a Newtown woman with a bias crime after they say she cut down an Israeli flag in the Church Hill Road and Walnut Tree Hill Road neighborhood.

A witness called the Newtown Police Department shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday to report the crime, according to the police report.

Officers located the flag on the ground and obtained evidence, including a vehicle description and registration.

Police have charged Sarah Stofko, 28, with third-degree criminal mischief and third-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias, a felony. She was processed and released, and scheduled to appear at Danbury Superior Court on Dec. 21.

"Our police department has no tolerance for any crimes that have the potential to create fear and anxiety amongst members of our community," said Lt. Scott Smith in a statement released Friday. "Our patrol officers worked diligently to identify and arrest this individual and will continue to fulfill our mission statement by working together with the community to seek justice for all. We are grateful to members of the community for assisting in this investigation."