Several residential properties were spray-painted with swastikas in Manchester Township and a suspicious house fire was ignited, according to Attorney General Matthew Platkin. Officials say it is all being investigated as possible bias incidents.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating on the ongoing investigation. One suspect has been taken into custody. The individual's name has not been released.

Platkin and the Ocean County prosecutor released a joint statement saying random acts of hate designed to "instill fear and to violate New Jerseyans' sense of security and belonging" will be dealt with "swiftly and harshly" by law enforcement.

“Those who feel entitled to trample on their neighbors' rights to live in peace and exercise their constitutional freedoms will not find a safe haven in New Jersey,” the joint statement said.