Horse Walk Statue Vandalized In Freehold Display

FREEHOLD, NJ — One of the horse statues on the borough's Half Mile of Horses Artwalk was damaged last weekend and authorities here are hoping to locate the culprit, as they deal with their disappointment that this would happen at all.

“Citizen volunteers and local artists had collaborated to create a beautiful and thought provoking display to bring people downtown and enjoy. There are no words to describe the disappointment we are all feeling about this shameful act of vandalism," Mayor Kevin Kane said in a statement this week.

The Freehold Borough Police are investigating the matter and local merchants are cooperating by providing video recordings in the area, he said.

Kane asked that if anyone locates the damaged leg of the statue to not touch it, but rather call the police at once.

"It is sad that a project that is admired by so many and brought out the best in our community had to withstand an attack by the worst of our community," he said.

"Don’t worry— they will not prevail. We will not stop trying to beautify and improve our hometown. We will find those responsible and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," he said.

Capt. Ronnie Steppat of the Freehold Borough Police confirmed that no arrests have been made as of Thursday. But he said if anyone has information, it can be forwarded to Det. Sgt. John Reiff at the department, 732-462-1233.