DECORAH – A young man is facing felonies after police say he went on a crime spree and spray painted “shocking and criminal” hate speech in Decorah.
On September 17, 2023, the Decorah Police Department and the Winneshsek County Sheriff’s Office were notified of multiple buildings in Decorah, as well as areas on the bike path, skate park and streets/alleys that were defaced and vandalized by spray paint during the overnight hours. The vandalism included hate speech that was both shocking and criminal. The reports of these crimes were taken very seriously and both agencies worked diligently together, investigating, interviewing, serving search warrants and collecting evidence in this case. Due to the dedicated efforts of law enforcement, suspects were quickly identified.
An individual has been charged in this matter, at this time, police say.
Caeden-Philip Andrew Kinyua Nyanjenga (pictured above), age 18 of Decorah, has been charged with the following:
– Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
– Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree Hate Crime (Class D Felony)
– Trespass with Intent to Commit a Hate Crime (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
The investigation into this matter continues, with additional arrests anticipated Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Decorah Police Department at 563-332-3607 or the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office at 563-362-4268. Additional information will be released as warranted.
