Suspect arrested in connection with vandalism at JCC and attempted intimidation against Jews

A Boston man is facing several criminal charges related to vandalism at the Jewish Community Center in Newton and a previous alleged incident of anti-Semitic harassment, police said. Newton police said the suspect, whose name was not immediately confirmed, was identified Tuesday after officers responded to a report that a man was ripping blue ribbons from trees lining the property of the JCC at 333 Nahanton St. The man was charged with property damage, property damage for the purpose of intimidation and theft. During the course of the investigation, the man was also identified as the driver of a white SUV during an incident in Newton on April 30, according to police. “On that day, the suspect is believed to have driven into Newton in a white SUV with the intent to harass and intimidate Jewish community members walking around the area,” police wrote in a statement. In connection with this incident, the man is charged with assault with the purpose of intimidation, assault with a dangerous weapon and violation of constitutional rights, according to police. The suspect was arrested on Thursday and is scheduled to be arraigned in Newton District Court on Friday.