Connecticut man vandalizes Columbus statue and flags

A 30-year-old man from Connecticut has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a Christopher Columbus statue and several flags in Meriden. The man, Marco Mejil Jr., turned himself in to the police on Tuesday. Mejil Jr. faces charges of second-degree criminal mischief. After his arrest, he was released on a $500 bond. Police responded to reports of vandalism on February 25 at around 3:51 p.m. They found damage around East Main Street and Broad Street. According to police, Mejil Jr. used a knife to cut the ropes of several flags. When officers arrived, they discovered a damaged flagpole at the First Baptist Church. The pole was snapped about 15 feet from the ground. Police noted that the damage did not appear to have been caused by a person, but further investigation is ongoing. The following day, the city's superintendent reported missing flags and graffiti on the Columbus statue. Mejil Jr. is set to appear in court on April 1 at Meriden Superior Court.