Anthony Burrus, 27, was arrested Saturday after allegedly damaging more than 150 crosses in a Memorial Day display in Henderson, Kentucky with his vehicle.
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According to police officials, the incident occurred around 6 a.m on Saturday morning in Henderson Central Park. Of the 5,000 crosses that are displayed in the park, 20 of them were destroyed and roughly 160 were knocked over, the Gleaner reported.
The 1979 Ford Thunderbird that Burrus was driving was found at a McDonald’s fast food restaurant on South Green Street with pieces of the crosses as well as a ground stake stuck in its tires.
Police officials said with the help of social media and vehicle searches, officers were able to connect Burrus to the incident. They said the incident appeared to be intentional since in order for Burrus to get to the display, he would have had to jump the curb.
Police found and arrested Burrus outside of his sister’s apartment complex. He is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident and first-degree criminal mischief.
Burrus claims that he did not cause the damage to the crosses, but he did confirm that he was driving the vehicle and left the car after it stopped functioning.
To repair the display, local residents, the Henderson Fire Department, the Women’s Addiction Recovery Manor, and members of the American Legion joined together.
Members of the community and family members of those that have their names on the crosses visited Henderson Central Park to see the damage for themselves. People were devastated by the damage caused and others were happy to see that their relatives display was not destroyed.
“This town loves their veterans, and this is proof,” Jim Hanley, a member of the American Legion told the Gleaner. “We take care of each other around here, and this situation is no different.”
