Arrest made in Middletown church vandalism incidents

Surveillance photo believed to be Natalee A, Hamilton

The Middletown Police Department arrested Natalee A. Hamilton, 34, a resident the Township, today, in connection with a series of vandalism incidents that occurred at three area churches during June and July, according to an announcement by Deputy Chief Paul Bailey.

Hamilton is charged with four counts of Criminal Mischief, three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and one count of Resisting Arrest. She was turned over to the custody of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution after processing.

Hamilton, who resides in the Knollwood Gardens apartment complex near Route 35 and Kings Highway, became violent and struck three officers during her arrest, Bailey told MMM in a phone interview. None of the officers required hospitalization and suffered only minor injuries.

“This series of crimes committed against houses of worship is deeply disturbing, especially as it occurred during the pandemic when so many people have relied upon their faith for comfort and support in these very difficult times.” stated Chief Weber. “I would like to acknowledge and commend our Detective Bureau for their dedication and outstanding investigative efforts in identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for these crimes.”

The matter is being treated as a possible bias crime and is still under investigation by Detective First Class Darrin Simon. Any additional organization that may have been the victim of vandalism or anyone with information pertinent to this investigation is asked to call the Middletown Police Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120.