Teen Faces Possible Hate Crime Charges After Winthrop School Vandalism
BOSTON (CBS) – A-19 year-old man has been arrested in connection with massive vandalism at Winthrop High School, which included swastikas drawn inside a classroom.
Ciaran Dillon was arrested and charged with destruction of property, but additional charges may be coming.
"In our opinion, we believe we have enough probable cause to charge him with a hate crime," said Winthrop Police Lt. Frank Scarpa.
Video surveillance allegedly shows Dillon in the high school for several hours Wednesday night, walking with a sledgehammer.
Police say Dillon went on to destroy a locker room, and damage classrooms and a media room.
In one classroom, swastikas were found drawn on a white board.
"We work hard for all. So when I see something like that, that really disappoints me and makes me realize that we need to make sure we continue educating," said School Superintendent of Schools John Macero.
Members of Temple Tifereth Israel were also disturbed by the incident.
"It hurts. It's very scary. I mean, it's an ugly thing. An ugly head that rises up," said Eileen Wickham.
Police don't know the motive for the vandalism and would only say that Dillon had previously been in the school system.
