PALMYRA TOWNSHIP -- People living in one community in the Poconos are searching for a vandal who spray-painted a swastika and a message overnight.
The swastika and words "The End Is Near" were left on the ground near a covered bridge in Woodledge Village, a housing community near Hawley.
“This morning when I came in the office, there were all kinds of messages about the graffiti. I thought it was disgusting, in plain English, so I went and got a can of spray paint and painted over the swastika and it said, "The End Is Near," said Woodledge Village President Al Masi.
Jesse Thaler was visiting his childhood home and saw the news about the vandalism.
"I think it's awful. I can't believe it actually happened in this community. I remember growing up here and the worst things that I remember growing up to was when I put toilet paper in the trees by the bus stop,” he said.
The housing community is a quiet one. Folks call it a peaceful place to live and say nothing like this has happened here before.
“Now and then you see something silly, you know somebody loves somebody, that's easy enough, but when it's something vulgar, it's not too cool, especially hate,” said resident Pat Russell.
People say this vandalism has taught them to be more vigilant. They say there will be more patrols at night, and if the person responsible is caught, they say they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“It's absolutely disgusting, no matter what religion you are. It's sinful,” said Masi.
