Man Desecrated Jewish Symbols At Worcester Temple: DA

WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester man has been charged after police and prosecutors say he vandalized the Temple Emanuel Sinai and Jewish Community Center along Salisbury Street.

Kyle Wood, 28, of Worcester, appeared in court on Thursday after he was charged with breaking and entering during the day with intent to commit a felony and vandalism. He wasn't immediately charged with a hate crime, but police said "additional charges are possible."

On Wednesday morning, police said that Wood showed up at the day camp waiting area at the JCC, which shares a campus with the temple, and began yelling at parents and kids. He then kicked over a Star of David and kneeled on it, police said. He drove away from the JCC before police arrived.

Worcester police also believe Wood broke a window at the temple on Tuesday afternoon.

Wood was arrested after police got another report of a break-in at the temple. Police pulled him over along Salisbury Street near the temple.

A judge allowed Wood to be released from custody on his own recognizance ahead of his next court date on Oct. 26.