Metro Detroit Custer Statue Vandalized, Police Arrest 2: Officials

MONROE, MI — Two women were arrested Tuesday morning after vandalizing a monument of General George Armstrong Custer, a historic, but controversial statue in Monroe, according to the Monroe Police. Police are also looking for a third person.

Police said they found the two women and a third person standing near the statue, which had the words "We Scalped" on it in the area of West Elm Avenue at North Monroe Street at 2:31 a.m.

One person in the group was holding a spray paint can, police said.

As officers approached the group standing near the Custer Equestrian Monument, the group took off running, police said. Two women were quickly captured by officers as a third got away, police said.

Police identified both women, ages 29 and 32, from Detroit, and they were placed in the Monroe County Jail, officials said. Police said they are considering charging the women with malicious destruction of property and resisting and obstructing are being sought.

The spray paint on the monument was cleaned and removed Tuesday, police said.

George Custer grew up in Monroe and was a Civil War hero. However, critics have called for the removal of the statue because of the way he treated Native Americans after the war.

Anyone with information about the vandalism or the suspects should call Monroe Police Det./Captain Tyler Dickerson at 734-243-7524.