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Police arrest 2 for 'USA' graffiti, smashed eggs at Burlington mosque

BURLINGTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Police have arrested two men after an investigation into "malicious" vandalism at an Islamic center.

Police said the graffiti was reported around 1:45 a.m. Sunday at the Islamic Center of Burlington. Investigators saw the letters "U.S.A." written several times in red spray paint on the outside of the building, along with the remains of smashed eggs, apparently thrown at the center.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and identified the two men as suspects. They were in a white Ford Crown Victoria early Sunday morning and were in the area for about 20 minutes before driving away.

Officials say the two men are Cameron Capella and Derrik Demone, both are 18 years old. They are charged with malicious destruction of property over $200 and tagging a building after Burlington police say they confessed to spray painting and egging the mosque.

Chief Michael Kent of Burlington Police said the Middlesex District Attorney's Office did not believe this rose to the level of a hate crime, but mosque members don't agree and said this isn't the first time they've been targeted.

This time though, thanks to these surveillance cameras, police were able to catch Capella and Demone after recognizing a feature on their car. 
Elise Daigle lives next door to the mosque and says she hear commotion that night, but assumed they were trick-or-treaters. 

She's disgusted that anyone would target a place of worship.

"I think it's very sad. It absolutely, it breaks my heart. I'm a Christian and that's my choice. They have their right to their choice.
Meantime, the mosque is not planning to add a gate at the front entrance, more lights and more security cameras, saying it's their only option.
Police are also investigating a third person they say was in the car at the time of the vandalism, but who didn't get out. 

Cox Media Group

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