MONSEY – Ramapo Town Police have arrested a 33-year-old Monsey man on charges of criminal mischief as a hate crime, making graffiti, possession of a graffiti instrument, and trespass for allegedly spray painting a joint American and Israeli flag.
Police spotted Benzion Rivlin at about 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3 wearing a face covering while walking on Main Street in Monsey.
He was spotted on the property of a business at 45 Main Street using a can of spray paint to damage the flag.
As the officer approached, Rivlin fled while discarding the paint and face covering, but was caught and the items recovered.
Police said the damage to the flag was minimal because the spray paint can malfunctioned.
Rivlin was released on an appearance ticket pending a future court appearance.
