Eden, N.Y. (WBEN) - Town of Eden Police are ramping up their investigation into a series of incidents along Hillbrook Drive in the town where multiple homes have been damaged after someone threw objects through windows and fled.
Three homes were the victim of six incidents on the street, one of which is the home of Eden Supervisor Melissa Hartman.
Police Thursday showed the media video surveillance of the incidents along with still photographs that may show a possible suspect.
"He appears to be a tall, thin, white male," said Police Chief Greg Savage. The individual shown in the video and photos is difficult to identify as he wears either a face mask or hoodie at all times. "Right now we do not have a suspect."
The video and photos are being reviewed by experts to see if they can be enhanced and show more detail.
Savage reviewed the history of the case that dates back to an incident on Hillbrook last August when a suspect came to the home of a resident to deliver a message that the resident had disrespected someone on the street and needed to apologize to them. He stated if the apology was forthcoming then all would be forgotten. The resident denied any knowledge of the incident and the subject left without further incident. The subject arrived and left in silver sedan. Police identified that person as a 52-year-old Cheektowaga resident with a lengthy criminal record but don't believe he's responsible for the incidents.
Details of the other incidents include October 12 at 4:45 AM when an object was thrown through the front door of a Hillbrook Drive residence. Video surveillance showed the suspect arriving in a small dark colored SUV. He exits the vehicle and is seen throwing the object at the house.
On October 23 at 3:38 AM the resident who received the visit and warning had an object thrown through the front window of his house. The same resident had three more objects thrown at his house over the next several months with the last one occurring on March 6.
On March 28 at 3:02 AM Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, who lives on Hillbrook several houses from the ones targeted earlier, had a simulated explosive device thrown through her front window. Writing on the device made reference to Supervisor Hartman's political campaign. Video surveillance captured images of the suspect arriving on foot and throwing the object at the house.
Only the incident at Hartman's home appears to be politically motivated and other than being neighbors, Savage says the other target homes are not associated with Hartman or her political position.
Eden Police are seeking the public's assistance in the investigation and ask anyone with information to call 992-9211.
"I've really never seen a situation evolve like this, start out and continue to escalate and get worse."
