MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne police arrested a juvenile after several signs, buildings and a church were vandalized with “hate speech, racial slurs, and other forms of insensitive language and symbolism,” according to a news release.
Police said that the vandalism happened during the early morning hours on March 2 and that they wrapped up their investigation on Friday.
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According to the release, the Jesus is Lord Church, located at 2008 Pineapple Avenue, along with city owned properties were some of the properties that were defaced.
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Melbourne police said they were able to collaborate with officials from the Brevard County School District and other community members to identify the person responsible.
“Further investigations revealed the juvenile had committed a similar act on January 20, 2025, in a subdivision near Parkway Drive and Stewart Road,” the release said in part.
Police said that charges for felony criminal mischief with hate crime enhancements were filed.
The juvenile was arrested on Friday and taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice. according to the release.
