Belleville Police responded to a report of vandalism at the Sons of Jacob Synagogue in Belleville’s East Hill Tuesday morning around 6:30 a.m.
When they arrived, police were told a lone male had attempted to gain access into the synagogue but when he was informed the place of worship was closed to the public, he allegedly vandalized the building.
According to city police, the man knocked out a window of the building.
Police didn’t identify the place of worship in a news release.
However, a police-vehicle presence at the synagogue shortly after the incident was observed by The Intelligencer.
“When the male visitor was advised the site wasn’t open to the public at that time, he walked around to the west side of the building and smashed a window. Officers were in the area within moments of the call and arrested the male nearby without further incident,” said police.
“A 44-year-old man from British Columbia was arrested this morning following a report of vandalism at a local place of worship in the city’s east end,” police said.
“The male is being held for a bail hearing on a single charge of Mischief Under $5,000.”
While reports of vandalism and hate crimes are on the increase across Canada after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks and the ensuing Israeli incursion into Gaza, city police said the local incident is not believed to be related.
“At this time there is no evidence to suggest this crime was hate-motivated,” said Belleville Police.