Vandals break headstones at 2 Canton cemeteries

CANTON , Ohio (WJW) — Canton police are investigating vandalism at two nearby cemeteries, reported on the same day last week.

Officers responded just after 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, to a report of vandalism at Rowland Cemetery along Tuscarawas Street East, according to a police report.

The groundskeeper showed officers at least seven headstones that had been knocked down, saying he discovered the damage that day. The last time he saw them intact was on July 5, he told police.

It’s not the first time vandalized headstones had to be picked up and repaired, the groundskeeper said. He estimated the cost for repairs at more than $10,000.

While at the cemetery, one of the officers spotted a damaged headstone at the adjacent First Mennonite Church graveyard.

A church elder said he was unaware of the damage, but wanted it included in the report.

The incident may have been captured on the church’s security cameras, according to the report.

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