Dolls Seen Hanging From Nooses On Election Day In South Jersey

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Police are investigating a possible hate crime after three stuffed dolls were found hanging from nooses on Election Day in Middle Township, Mayor Tim Donahue confirmed.

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Christopher Leusner of the Middle Township Police Department have since confirmed that this is being investigated as a bias incident and are seeking the public's help in identifying the perpetrator.

The three dolls were found hanging from a noose in the Rio Grande section of town above a political sign for Congressional candidate Tim Alexander, who is Black, Sutherland and Leusner said.

"The MTPD has launched an immediate and thorough investigation into this potential hate crime," Donahue said.

Video footage showed a white woman with blonde hair exiting a late model dark-colored sedan, appearing to be a Buick, and hanging the animals in a tree.

The late model four-passenger sedan with chrome trim and tinted windows was seen parked in the area where the incident occurred, officials said.

If anyone recognizes this vehicle or the female driver, they are encouraged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135, the Middle Township Police Department at 609-465-8700 or the information can be reported anonymously through the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Anonymous TIP System by visiting cmcpo.tips or the information can also be reported to the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, 609-889-3597.

"This is not who we are in Middle Township," Donahue said. "We stand united against all forms of racism, hate, threats and intimidation."

Earlier this month, a similar incident was investigated after a child-sized Black doll was found hanging from a noose in Gloucester County. Read More: Child-Sized Black Doll Seen Hanging From South Jersey Tree: Police