Madison Man Arrested After Targeting Cop With Racist Graffiti

MADISON, NJ - A 48-year-old Madison man has been charged with taking out his frustrations on a Madison Police Officer in racist graffiti spread around town. Jesse J. Kimball spray painted the racial slurs that targeted a veteran officer, police said.

According to police, during the evening of Nov. 17 and the morning of Nov. 18 Madison Police were notified of vandalism throughout the borough, including several buildings on Waverly Place and Main Street, various signs on Main Street, and several locations within New Jersey Transit train station property on Kings Road.

Through the investigation, Detectives Ken Shannon and Adam Riley determined that Kimball was responsible for the vandalism, police said. Within 12 hours of the initial report, Kimball was later located at a Main Street location, where he was arrested and charged with 4th degree criminal mischief and harassment, police said. Subsequently, Kimball was charged by NJ Transit Police with 4th degree criminal mischief, police said. Kimball was later released pending a court appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

“These unfortunate set of events resulted in an outpouring of support from our residents and friends in Madison towards our Police Department and officers,” said Madison Police Chief Darren Dachisen. " The swift reporting by witnesses and thorough police work of our Madison officers helped bring the incident to a close, but I would not expect anything else from all involved."

According to officials, after the initial report of the vandalism, the Madison Department of Public Works on call crew was called in to cover up the depicted racial slurs. The damage has been totaled in the amount of several thousands of dollars.

“I appreciate the quick work of the Madison Police Department and Department of Public Works, to ensure that this incident was addressed and corrected as quickly as possible," said Mayor Robert H. Conley. "I echo the statement from Chief Dachisen, and want to emphasize that this type of behavior is not accepted in Madison or anywhere for that matter.”

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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