🚨 Point Pleasant Man Charged in Asbury Park Swastika Graffiti Investigation
Police arrested a 29-year-old Point Pleasant man for allegedly spray-painting swastikas and lightning bolts at three Asbury Park locations. Austin Gaekler faces charges of criminal mischief and bias intimidation after graffiti was discovered at a nonprofit center, a convenience store, and an electrical box.
ASBURY PARK, NJ — A 29-year-old Point Pleasant man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of graffiti incidents involving swastikas and lightning-bolt markings found at multiple locations in Asbury Park earlier this month.
According to authorities, Austin Gaekler, 29, is facing four counts each of criminal mischief and bias intimidation.
The investigation began during the week of August 3, when similar graffiti was discovered at three locations throughout the city.
The first markings were reported Tuesday afternoon at the Mercy Center on Main Street, a facility that provides services to people experiencing homelessness. Police said a swastika and lightning bolts had been spray-painted on the side of the building.
Similar markings were discovered the following day on the side of a 7-Eleven on Main Street. A third set was found Wednesday on an electrical panel box near Fourth Avenue and Memorial Drive.
The Asbury Park Police Department is investigating the graffiti as bias incidents.
Authorities did not immediately release additional details regarding a possible motive or the circumstances surrounding Gaekler’s arrest.
⚖️ All charges are allegations, and Gaekler is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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