Harrison Man Arrested For Defacing Veterans 'Honor Roll' Monument: HPD

HARRISON, NY — A suspect was arrested in connection with a cruel act of vandalism that was felt by an entire community.

After a three-day investigation, the Harrison Police Department arrested a local resident they believe was involved in the vandalism of the Veterans "Honor Roll" monument at Ma Riis Park.

Gabriel Mendoza was charged with one count of felony criminal mischief. He also faces two counts of misdemeanor Criminal Mischief and three counts of making graffiti.

The 37-year-old was issued a court date and released on his own recognizance, according to officials.

On April 23, Harrison police were called to a report of graffiti to the monument in the park adjacent to the library. While reviewing security footage, investigators saw an unknown man spray painting the monument at approximately 1:20 a.m. Saturday morning. Police were able to track the suspect via surveillance video to a nearby residential neighborhood and identified him from previous interactions with police.

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On Monday, as investigators were gathering additional video surveillance, the suspect returned to Ma Riis Park, damaged the flower beds around the park and left the area. Police met him at his home where he was subsequently arrested. During the interview, Mendoza admitted to vandalizing the monument, as well as vandalizing other locations around Harrison, investigators said. He was charged with vandalizing the monument, as well as with those additional incidents.