A Follow up Statement from Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek

As the investigation into the acts of vandalism against our synagogue is still ongoing, the Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek community would like to express its most sincere gratitude to the Lima Police Department and Shawnee Township Police Department. They have taken investigating this incident very seriously and have been incredibly sensitive to our needs in this trying time. The support we have received from all quarters—friends and neighbors, those near and far—has helped us to begin healing from this unfortunate experience.

We ask that any and all concerns pertaining to the details of the vandalism be directed to the Lima Police Department until the investigation has ended. Below you will find the Shawnee Township Police Department’s Press Release with further information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 15
CONTACT: MICHAEL KEITH
(419) 227-1115

Shawnee Township investigating multiple criminal damaging incidents involving property and vehicles shot with bb projectiles. In conjunction with investigators from Lima Police it was determined our incidents are related to the Synagogue that was damaged in Lima.

Township investigators identified three persons of interest in the above incidents. Upon investigation and interviews both agencies are going to present two of these persons to the Grand Jury for potential charges.

What can be relayed at this point is that there is no evidence that the Synagogue was targeted. The Synagogue was on the way to a location they were traveling to.

Shawnee Township has two vehicles, a residence and Shawnee High School that sustained damage during this time.

I want to thank Lima investigators working with our investigators to put all of this together.