A West Hartford man was arrested via warrant on Tuesday and charged in the vandalism incidents that occurred in late August.

By Ronni Newton

A West Hartford man has been arrested and faces charges as a suspect in connection with damaging pro-Israel signs in town in late August, police said Tuesday.

According to Capt. Peter Juda, West Hartford Police responded to reports of damage to multiple pro-Israel yard signs on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31. “The majority of the complaints were centered around the signs being removed from yards, cut in half and/or discarded on the lawns,” Juda said, and the damage primarily occurred in the area of Mohegan Drive, Mohawk Drive, Albany Avenue, and Norwood Road.

More than a dozen properties were impacted, police said previously.

Police reviewed surveillance images, and also conducted interviews and collected additional evidence which led to the identification of a suspect in the vandalism. “Probable cause was developed and an arrest warrant application was submitted and approved by the Hartford Community Court,” Juda said Tuesday.

The suspect, Michael Guzman, 40, of West Hartford, turned himself in to police on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and was charged with one count each of second-degree breach of peace and third-degree criminal trespass.

Michael Guzman. Courtesy of West Hartford Police

He was held on $5,000 surety bond, and is due to be arraigned in Hartford Community Court on Oct. 15.

Police said the investigation is actively continuing, and ask that any member of the public who has information regarding the incident contact police through the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969 or email [email protected].

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