Man Arrested For Swastika Vandalism Sought Help From Church

DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver are investigating swastika vandalism left on a church that works to unite Jewish and Christian worshipers. Officers have arrested the man they believe is responsible.

The swastikas were found on the side of the Church in the City synagogue located at 1580 Gaylord Street near East High School about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"I feel violated," said Tamara Hoskins, Church in the City facility manager.

Hoskins said the man arrested in the case came to the church to get a hot meal as part of their daily ministry.

"It was his first time ever coming into the building and I arrived as it was happening and I was just taken by it because we've been trying to say this is God's house, this is not yours," said Hoskins.

The suspect, later identified as Frank Maya, was arrested at the scene on Wednesday morning. He has a prior criminal history, according to officers.

CBS4 crews were there as Maya was questioned and taken into custody. He is being held on Investigation of 2nd Degree Assault on a Peace Officer, Investigation of Criminal Mischief
Investigation of Bias-motivated crime – Property Damage.

"We're doing good for the community and I believe this one is trying to take our good away," said Hoskins. "We open our home, this is a home to all of us. It's our family, because we here at Church in the City are family."