Police respond to bias incident at Chatterton School; community calls for emergency meeting

A bias incident was reported to the Nassau County Police Department on July 30 around 9 a.m. in Merrick.

According to detectives, officers observed two swastikas spray painted in black paint on playground equipment at Chatterton School in the Merrick Union Free School District. The school is located 108 Merrick Avenue.

The swastikas were approximately 1-foot in length and height.

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives request anyone with information to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-8477.

All callers will remain anonymous.

Assemblyman Ari Brown, who represents the Five Towns, denounced the bias incident, along with Assemblyman Dave McDonough, who represents Merrick and Bellmore.

“The rise of antisemitic attitudes and hate crimes is deeply troubling, and I reaffirm my commitment to combating such bigotry in all its forms,” Brown said in a release. “I firmly believe the path to a strong and more cohesive society lies in our ability to denounce hatred and discrimination unequivocally.”

"We did address this several years ago," Joe Baker, former presidett of the South Merrick Community Civic Association, said. "We will not tolerate this in our community, or any community."

The civic association will hold an emergency meeting addressing an increase in bias incidents on Aug. 9 at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.