Stoughton Man Caught Vandalizing POW Flag, Church Cemetery: PD

STOUGHTON, MA — Police said they caught the man responsible for cutting down a Prisoner of War Flag in Faxton Park and vandalism at a church Cemetery. Police said a 37-year-old Stoughton man was caught after an off-duty officer saw him in take down the flag in the park. Because the man has mental health issues, police said they didn't arrest him but issued a summons to allow him to get the help he needs before going to court.

Around 3:30 p.m. Monday, police received the call from the off duty officer. Police said they spoke to the man and believe he is also responsible for vandalizing statues and flags at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 1109 Central St. Police said some of the statues and flags were damaged beyond repair.

Police said the department underwent several mental health training session and decided it would be best to let the man get help before facing charges.

"Calls like this are emotional for all involved, especially the victims of the vandalism who view this as a deeply personal attack" Lt. John Bonney said in a statement. "We have learned we cannot arrest our way out of the problem. We can only hope there are mental health professionals that will commit to relentless follow up for people who need it the most. Unfortunately we see the same people over and over again, indicating to us that the current system needs scrutiny."

Police said they are trying to find any missing items from the cemetery and are working with the town's veteran's agent to properly dispose of any damaged U.S. flags.

The man will be summoned to court at a later date to face the following charges: three counts of vandalizing a gravestone, vandalizing a war/veterans memorial, removing a grave marker and two counts of malicious destruction of property.