By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that Alexis Reynozo, 19, of Perth Amboy, and a juvenile male were taken into custody and charged in connection with the defacing of an LGBTQIA+ mural on Brighton Avenue and Sadowski Parkway.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone reported that on August 16, authorities received a report of criminal mischief and were dispatched to the intersection of Brighton Avenue and Sadowski Parkway.
According to officials, witnesses observed at least two vehicles performing burnouts on the mural before driving away.
Authorities say social media videos surfaced online of the incident accompanied by anti-LGBTQIA+ language.
Following an investigation by Detective Gina Betancourt and Officer Jeffrey Valentin of the Perth Amboy Police, Alexis Reynozo, 19, of Perth Amboy, and a 17-year-old juvenile male from Hopelawn, were identified as suspects, officials said.
Reynozo was arrested and charged via summons, officials say, with second-degree Bias Intimidation and third-degree Criminal Mischief.
According to officials, the juvenile male was charged with an act of juvenile delinquency for offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute Bias Intimidation, Criminal Mischief, and Resisting Arrest.
The investigation into this incident continues.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office reiterates its stance against hate in all forms, and officials stated they will continue to investigate every reported bias incident in the community vigorously and will not hesitate to prosecute consistent with the law.
Â
