Police: vandals spray-painted swastika at LIRR station

Two teens arrested after symbol discovered among graffiti

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Long Beach police arrested two teens after they allegedly spray-painted a swastika at the Long Island Rail Road station earlier this month.

Kevin T. Wohleking, 17, and a female minor, 16, were arrested on Sept. 5 after an officer discovered the symbol and graffiti at the scene.

According to police, Long Beach police officer Joseph Wiemann, while on routine patrol, was investigating a narcotics complaint at the LIRR station. Though he did not find any narcotics activity, he discovered red and blue graffiti in the stairwells and on the footbridge above the tracks — including a swastika, in red paint — along with the tag "KLEEZY.”

Wiemann left to retrieve a camera from LBPD headquarters to document the incident and when he returned, police said that he observed Wohleking place a can of black spray paint on the ground, along with a clear Ziploc bag and packed pipe — both containing marijuana — on top of the defendant’s backpack.

Additionally, new tags of "KLEEZY" had been drawn, this time in black paint, and Wohleking had black paint on his hands, according to police. A skateboard with the name "KLEEZY" spray-painted on it was discovered as well. When asked if it belonged to him, Wohleking replied yes, police said. Both defendants were arrested and taken to police headquarters.

“As a result of Officer Wiemann's thorough investigation, these two alleged vandals were caught in the act,” Police Commissioner Michael Tangney said in a statement. “Officer Wiemann's quick arrest of the alleged perpetrators serves as a perfect example of the level of dedication and professionalism displayed on a daily basis by the LBPD officers and staff who serve the citizens of our community.”

Wohleking and the other teen, who police did not identify, were charged with aggravated harassment for spray painting a swastika on the property, a felony. They were also charged with graffiti activity and having marijuana in public view, all misdemeanors.

The incident comes a few months after State Sen. Todd Kaminsky protested the public display of swastikas in any form, when a group called the International Raelians had publicly declared that the symbol would be on a banner flown over various parts of the country on June 25.

“Whether on public or private property, the city of Long Beach has zero-tolerance for vandalism and graffiti, especially defacement with symbols of hate and vulgarity,” City Council President Len Torres said in a statement. “Young or old, the law applies to everyone. I wish to commend the Long Beach Police Department for, as always, a swift and capable response to this incident, in addition to their tireless work protecting the lives, wellbeing, and property of those who reside in our city by the sea.”