WeHa PD Releases Images Of Vandalism Suspects

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police Thursday afternoon released two images of a person of interest wanted in connection with a vandalism incident last month as part of a protest in town.

"As part of this active and ongoing investigation, the West Hartford Police Department is releasing images depicting a person of interest," wrote the WHPD Thursday. "We are seeking the public’s help in identifying the below-pictured individual."

Both images show a person looking inside a business at 65 LaSalle Road, West Hartford, on Jan. 21.

Police said the incident involved the splattering of red paint on the exterior of businesses in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.

Police said at about 12:30 p.m. that day a rally — believed to be a pro-Palestine rally urging a cease-fire — was attended by 150 people at West Hartford Town Hall.

That group then marched throughout areas of Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center, police said.

"At one point, members of the group posted signs on the exterior of the businesses located at 65 LaSalle Road," police wrote in a statement.

The WHPD said it is investigating the incident and no arrests have yet to be made.

The situation came one day after a public vigil took place on Jan. 20 involving the local Jewish community at the Young Israel of West Hartford synagogue, 2240 Albany Ave., West Hartford.

West Hartford has Connecticut's largest concentration of Jewish residents.

Since October, Israel has been at war with Hamas, a terror organization based in the Gaza section of Israel that invaded Israel, killing thousands and taking hundreds more hostage.

The town has taken a bit of heat from a state-based, pro-Palestinian group that claimed the WHPD's criminal probe of the matter is an attempt to curb a political protest.

But town officials shot back and said the matter is about the damage to the buildings, not the message behind why people were gathering in that area.

From Jan. 22: 'Protesters Vandalize WeHa Businesses: Police'

From Jan. 25: 'Pro-Palestinian Group Lashes Out Against West Hartford'