The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety is investigating vandalism done to the south pier over the weekend. Director Steve Neubecker tells WSJM News officers were called out about 8 a.m. Saturday and found profane anti-police and anti-Trump messages spray painted on the structure. Police are following leads now.
“We are currently reviewing video that the city of St. Joseph owns and operates along with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department with their beach cam video,” Neaubecker said.
Neubecker says the pier is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, affecting how the graffiti will be handled.
“Phone calls were made to the Army Corps of Engineers, who own the pier, to have it removed, and as soon as we hear from them that it can be removed, it will be removed.”
Neubecker says charges of property damage are awaiting the vandals. They could also potentially be charged with a hate crime. He notes he has been contacted by people in the community distressed to see the landmark defaced. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.
