Manchester Township, NJ – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer have announced an ongoing investigation into a suspected bias incident that occurred on Tuesday. The investigation was launched after several residential properties were spray-painted with swastikas and a suspicious house fire broke out.
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Arson Squad, Bias Crime Units, and the Manchester Township Police Department, are collaborating on the joint investigation. One suspect has been apprehended, although their identity is currently being withheld.
Billhimer and Platkin said acts of hatred aimed at instilling fear and infringing upon the sense of security and belonging of New Jersey residents based on their identity or beliefs will face swift and severe consequences from law enforcement.
In a statement, the two said those who believe they can trample on their neighbors’ rights to live peacefully and exercise their constitutional freedoms will find no sanctuary in New Jersey.