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Suspect in 'hate-motivated' vandalism at Portsmouth synagogue arrested

An arrest warrant was issued following a police investigation of vandalism that appeared to target Temple Israel in downtown Portsmouth.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The suspect in a vandalism case in which a synagogue in downtown Portsmouth was apparently targeted has turned himself into police. 

Police began their investigation into the vandalism case at Temple Israel on April 9, the morning after the suspect was apparently caught on surveillance striking two lamps with the Star of David displayed on them. 

Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Kevin O'Leary of Portsmouth and issued an arrest warrant for criminal mischief and hate-motivated mischief. 

O'Leary turned himself into police Friday, where he was arrested on the warrant, processed, and released, the department said in a news release. 

O'Leary has been scheduled to be arraigned June 10. 

Portsmouth police were aided by the FBI and the New Hampshire attorney general's office Civil Rights Unit. Police also thanked community members who aided in the investigation through tips and surveillance materials. 

The investigation remains ongoing. Police ask that anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Charley Raizes of the Investigative Division at 603-610-7534. 

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