Police have busted an alleged antisemitic harasser and vandal following a string of incidents targeting Jewish individuals and properties in Newton.
Boston man Alexei Rodriguez, 49, is accused of vandalism at the Jewish Community Center Greater Boston located in Newton, and also intimidating Jewish people in a separate incident there.
Newton Police on Tuesday afternoon responded to the JCC on Nahanton Street for a report of a man tearing down blue ribbons on trees lining the property.
Since the Hamas terrorist attacks in October, blue ribbons have symbolized support for the safe return of the Israeli hostages.
Police officers responding to the JCC located and identified the suspect as Rodriguez. He was charged with defacing property, defacing property to intimidate, and larceny.
Following the JCC investigation, officers identified Rodriguez as the driver of a white SUV who was allegedly involved in an antisemitic incident in Newton last month.
Rodriguez on April 30 allegedly drove to Newton “in order to harass and intimidate Jewish community members walking in the area,” police said.
The Boston man for that incident was charged with assault for purpose of intimidation, assault with a dangerous weapon, and violation of constitutional rights.
Newton Police have been investigating several anti-Israel vandalism and hate incidents over the last few months. These instances include “We Stand with Israel” signs being defaced.
In March, police responded to a Homer Street home for damaged Israeli kidnapping posters. The lawn signs with the names and faces of those held hostage for more than 5 months were defaced with black spray paint outside the home.
That vandalism came just days after another hateful incident in Newton. A rock was reportedly thrown through a front door window of a home with a sign supporting Israel.
Other incidents included:
The police department added extra patrols in the wake of these incidents, while urging residents to remain vigilant — and if they “see something, say something” to police.
The other cases remain open investigations. Police were urging anyone with information about the incidents to call the Newton Police tip line at 617-796-2121.