Authorities said a North Reading resident is under arrest after she allegedly vandalized a Trump sign on the lawn of a private home, and then nearly ran over the resident as she sped away in her car. Andover Police said they responded to Jenkins Road for a report of vandalism and assault, where a resident told them his sign was tagged with spray paint.
According to the man, he confronted the woman on his property, who he said drove off erratically and nearly ran him over, according to WCVB. Police later arrested Susan Bryant, 57, who now faces charges of four counts of defacing property and one count of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.
The homeowner was not injured and told WBZ that he plans on replacing the sign.
“During this Presidential election season, opinions as to who the next President should be may differ. The ability to express those opinions openly and freely is the cornerstone of democracy in our country,” Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe wrote in a statement. “Our concern is when people take it upon themselves to wrongly extend their ability of expression into vandalism and assault. The victim in this case was only protecting his freedom of speech and expression. We ask for the community’s help in allowing all to express their opinions in safe, legal ways.” Bryant is expected to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Monday.
Woman faces assault, vandalism charges after police said she vandalized Trump signs
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