Arrest Follows Damages To Chabad Menorah
Footage from U of I Police security camera Wednesday morning. (U of I Police)
U of I police arrested Max W. Kristy, 20, of Champaign at 5:15pm Tuesday evening on charges of vandalism.
Kristy is expected to appear in court on Sept. 8 for criminal damage to property.
UI police spokesman Pat Wade said university police received an anonymous tip from a caller identifying Kristy in surveillance video of the vandalism. The video came from a camera system the center installed in the wake of earlier vandalism.
The incident occurred about 6 a.m. Wednesday at the Chabad Jewish Center at 509 S. Fourth St.
In the surveillance video obtained by police, Kristy walks into the frame and pushes on the symbol until it falls over. After leaving the frame, he walks by the Jewish Center with two other people.
U of I Police say because the menorah broke at its base, the damage is estimated at about $2,269; it had previously been replaced after being vandalized last spring.