WETHERSFIELD, CT — Two teens, including a 17-year-old juvenile, have been arrested in connection with a series of vandalism incidents involving antisemitic symbols, racial slurs, homophobic language, and sexually explicit graffiti throughout Wethersfield, police announced Thursday.
Dante Roma, 18, of Montville, and a 17-year-old male juvenile voluntarily surrendered to the Wethersfield Police Department after officers issued arrest warrants following an investigation into incidents that occurred overnight Sept. 19-20, according to an Oct. 15 news release.
Police said the investigation began Sept. 20 at approximately 5:39 a.m., when officers responded to Valley Crest Drive for a vandalism complaint.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle defaced with a swastika and antisemitic writing.
A subsequent neighborhood canvass revealed additional vandalism, including offensive graffiti spray-painted on vehicles, residential fencing, and street signs, police said.
At approximately 10:40 a.m., officers discovered similar vandalism at the Mill Woods Park skate park, where concrete skateboarding structures, picnic tables and an outbuilding had been defaced with racial slurs, antisemitic symbols, homophobic statements and sexually explicit images.
Police said investigators identified eight vandalized locations throughout Wethersfield. Four similar incidents were also reported in neighboring Rocky Hill during the same overnight period.
The Wethersfield Police Department Detective Bureau conducted an investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, analyzing cellphone location data, and collecting physical evidence.
Surveillance footage from Mill Woods Park captured two individuals actively vandalizing park property, police said.
The department released portions of the footage to local media outlets and shared it on social media, prompting community members to provide information that helped detectives identify the suspects.
During subsequent interviews, both individuals acknowledged their involvement in the vandalism, according to police.
Based on the evidence collected, detectives established probable cause and obtained arrest warrants for both suspects.
Police said each suspect faces the following charges:
Police did not release the juvenile's identity, citing Connecticut laws governing the confidentiality of juvenile proceedings.
Wethersfield Police Chief Rafael Medina III condemned the vandalism and praised investigators and residents who helped identify the suspects.
"The hateful and deeply offensive nature of these acts of vandalism is unacceptable and has no place in our community," Medina said. "Antisemitic symbols, racial slurs, and discriminatory language do more than damage property; they create fear, undermine our residents' sense of security, and stand in direct opposition to the values of respect and inclusion that define Wethersfield."
Medina also commended officers and detectives for their professionalism, persistence, and investigative work, along with community members who provided information.
"These arrests demonstrate our commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal conduct, regardless of age," Medina said. "We will continue working to ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and protected in our community."
Police thanked residents and media organizations whose assistance contributed to the investigation.
Authorities did not provide information about court dates or whether the suspects face additional charges in connection with the Rocky Hill incidents.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
From Sept. 21: 'Racist Graffiti Found Throughout Wethersfield: Police'
From Sept. 22: 'Video Shows Suspects In Racist Graffiti Spree In Wethersfield: Police'
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