Montclair Man Accused Of ‘Swastika Incident’ In West Orange: PD

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — After a lengthy investigation, West Orange police arrested a Montclair man who allegedly drew swastikas outside a local temple, authorities announced Thursday evening.

According to a West Orange township spokesperson, police got a break in the case in the "swastika incident" when surveillance footage emerged of a motorcycle seen in the area.

Police released the following statement about the incident:

“On December 18, a jogger discovered three swastikas drawn on the sidewalk at the B’nai Shalom Temple at 300 Pleasant Valley Way. Immediately following the incident, the West Orange Police Department launched an investigation. Although there was little to go on initially, a lengthy and persistent investigation has now resulted in an arrest. The identification of the motorcycle as a 2019 Honda CBR300R captured on security cameras ultimately lead to a break in the case. Police were subsequently able to piece together and trace the path the suspect took when fleeing the scene of the crime back to his home.”

Authorities said the suspect, Richard Blasko of Montclair, was taken into custody Wednesday night. Both the motorcycle and helmet seen in the surveillance video were discovered at his home after search warrant was carried out.

“Blasko has no prior arrests related to this specific type of crime,” authorities said. “This is believed to be a random, isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to public safety.”

Blasko has been charged with bias intimidation and harassment. No additional information was immediately available.

• See related article: Swastikas Found Near Temple In West Orange; Police Probe Launched

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