2 Drew Swastikas, Lit Fire In Bathroom In Lacey: Prosecutor

LACEY, NJ — Two Lacey Township men face multiple charges after a series of vandalism throughout town that included setting a fire in a park bathroom and spray painting swastikas at multiple locations, officials announced.

Alexander Gerber, 19, and Connor Dougherty, 20, were charged with arson and four counts of criminal mischief in connection with the events that occurred over the span of a week, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Police Chief Christopher Kenny announced Wednesday.

While on routine patrol on Nov. 21, officers discovered a fire in the women's restroom at Gille Park, officials said. After it was extinguished by Lanoka Harbor firefighters, the Ocean County Fire Marshal's Office determined that the fire had been intentionally set with an open flame to combustible material.

Police again responded to Gille Park on Nov. 26, this time for reports of criminal mischief.

Graffiti, including swastikas, was discovered in various locations throughout the park, and the women's restroom door was damaged, authorities said.

More graffiti, again including swastikas, was discovered on a clothing bin at the Mill Pond basketball courts and behind ShopRite on Nov. 28, officials said.

Investigation revealed that a Chevrolet pickup truck was involved with one of the incidents, officials said.

At about 3:25 p.m. on Nov. 28, Lacey police saw Gerber driving said pickup truck on Deerhead Lane and pulled him over, according to authorities. Police took Gerber into custody without incident and he was brought to Lacey Township Police Headquarters.

Further investigation revealed that Gerber and Dougherty worked together and in support of one another in setting fire and damaging the women's restroom door at Gille Park, and spray painting the graffiti at the three spots, officials said.

That same day, Dougherty turned himself in to Lacey police, officials said. Both men were taken to Ocean County Jail and charged, and they remain there pending a detention hearing, authorities said.

Similar graffiti, including swastikas and racial slurs, was discovered at Gille Park this past summer. At the time, police had not identified a suspect. It is not clear if it is linked to this series of vandalism. Read more: Hateful Graffiti Found Throughout Lacey Skatepark