Man charged with malicious vandalism at Kingston church

Old windows broken, historic shutters destroyed, a fire extinguisher sprayed throughout the building, flags torn down and burned.

That’s just some of the damage caused by a vandal who broke into a Kingston church on July 4, police say.

And now the alleged vandal, Jonathan White, 43, of Plymouth, is under arrest and facing multiple charges. White is scheduled to be arraigned July 16 in Plymouth District Court.

Investigators say they were first called to First Parish Unitarian Church, 223 Main Street, in the early morning hours of July 4.

Several 200-year-old handmade shutters were destroyed and police say the church’s “Pride” and “Black Lives Matter” flags were torn down and burned, charring the side of the church, in addition to damage to the church’s interior.

“We are shocked and saddened by this act of vandalism against our beloved church,” church leaders said in a message posted on their Facebook page.

“Overall estimates of the damage have not yet been made, but initial estimates are in the tens of thousands,” police said.

Investigators say the suspect was later arrested after returning to the church to watch officers process the scene.

“A Kingston Police detective noticed the individual as the suspect and attempted to arrest him,” according to a Kingston Police statement. “The suspect yelled at the detective, fled in his vehicle, turned around, hit a sign and fled. A Kingston Police patrol officer was able to locate the suspect’s vehicle as he fled and arrested him shortly thereafter.”

Investigators hope to learn more about their suspect’s movements throughout the night.

“We are asking anyone residing in the 200-250 block of Main Street, or adjacent streets leading to it, to check their home surveillance cameras between midnight and 6:30 a.m. this morning,” police said. “Residents are asked to look for images consistent with a white 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe with a spotlight on the outside of the driver’s side door (similar to a police car headlight). Additionally, any other suspicious activity may be of interest.”

This is a developing story. Check back regularly for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the Boston 25 News Free App for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW