Jackson police say 2 incidents targeting Jewish organizations being treated as bias crimes
Officials say the cases involve repeated vandalism at a nonprofit and hateful graffiti left during a school burglary.
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Two incidents targeting Jewish organizations in Jackson are being treated as bias crimes, including repeated vandalism at a nonprofit and antisemitic and anti-African American graffiti left during a burglary at a school, township officials said.
According to the Jackson Township Police Department, the first case involves three separate acts of criminal mischief at the Chai Lifeline facility on County Line Road. Police said unknown suspects intentionally damaged windows at the Jewish faith-based organization's building.
The second case stems from a burglary, theft and criminal mischief at the BMG facility on South Hope Chapel Road. Police said seven people illegally entered the building, caused extensive damage and wrote antisemitic and anti-African American messages on classroom blackboards and other areas of the school.
Police said suspects have been identified in the South Hope Chapel Road case, but no additional information is being released because the investigation remains active.
"There is no place in our community for crimes motivated by hatred, prejudice, or intolerance," Police Chief Mary Nelson said in a statement. "These acts not only impact the direct victims but also create fear throughout the community."
The department said it has increased patrols around areas of concern and other sensitive locations throughout the township.
