Police in Verona say a man with a hammer walked into a police station early Saturday morning and admitted to a crime.

They say the man identified as 41-year-old Elliot Bennett walked into headquarters at 3 a.m. and told them he had just smashed a statue of Jesus outside the Our Lady of the Lake Church.

Bennett was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief in connection with vandalism.

Police say they also recognized Bennett from past incidents where he did the same thing.

The Essex County Prosecutors Office is now conducting the investigation.