See it: Police say Sayreville retaining wall seriously damaged in act of vandalism
SAYREVILLE, N.J. -- It's a mystery police in New Jersey are trying to solve and they need the public's help.
They said Tuesday that someone recently used heavy machinery to destroy a retaining wall in Sayreville.
From above, the damage is extraordinary. Police called it a large scale act of vandalism.
Concrete cinderblocks were pulled from the retaining wall at a construction site. Investigators said a heavy piece of equipment was used to tear it down. Another machine was buried in the rubble.
"It definitely wasn't an accident. Somebody had a plan and intended to cause that damage," Sayreville Police Lt. James Novak said.
New Jersey State Police and Sayreville Police Department are seeking the public's assistance with a large scale act of...
Posted by New Jersey State Police on Friday, January 13, 2023
Police said an employee at the Ashland Construction project site discovered the damage on Jan. 6. Investigators said they believe it happened between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. at the site near Cheesequake and South Minisink roads.
"We're looking for suspects. We're looking for any information to follow. In today's day and age, people have cameras on their cars. If you're driving by, if you heard people talking about it," Novak said.
When asked if somebody had to know how to operate the heavy equipment, Novak said, "You have to assume. I mean, it could be very dangerous. At the height of the wall. If you don't know what you're doing, you could hurt yourself doing that."
It's unclear whether a key was left in the machine or if police have leads, including fingerprints. No one at the construction site would comment.
However, police said they're looking at every possible motive -- whether it was a disgruntled employee or someone angry over environmental issues.
One resident talked about what it looked like beforehand.
"They knocked down so many trees. There was life everywhere, deer running through the street, animals everywhere," Michael Steiner said.
"I have no idea. Hey, it's a mystery somebody could solve," another resident said.
If you have any information about the vandalism, you're urged to call police. CrimeStoppers is offering a $1,000 reward. Your tip will remain anonymous.