MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - A local cemetery in Middletown was vandalized with expletives about Christopher Columbus written in pink spray paint in the late morning of Indigenous Peoples' Day, according to Middletown police.
At about 10:33 a.m. Monday, Middletown police received a call from a motorist that noticed spray paint on the sign and brownstone wall of the Indian Hill Cemetery on Washington Street.
Upon arrival, officers saw that someone used pink spray paint to write "Land Back" with an anarchy symbol on the cemetery's sign, police said.
The same suspect, police said in a press release, also painted expletives about Christopher Columbus on the brownstone wall beneath the sign.
Later on, officers located more spray painted expletives about the police on a smaller segment of the brownstone wall, officials said.
The cleanup is expected to cost "several hundred dollars," according to cemetery personnel who are already discussing plans for cleanup efforts.
The investigation is ongoing, but police said they suspect the vandalism occurred during the overnight hours. Officers are checking for witnesses and video evidence of the crime.
The sign and wall have been covered, police said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Jason Tetrault at (860) 638-4000.