For Immediate Release

Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Andover Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Defacing Political Sign and Nearly Running Down Homeowner

ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe reports that the Andover Police Department arrested a woman early Saturday after she allegedly vandalized a political campaign sign and then nearly ran over the owner of the sign when she drove off erratically.

Andover Police responded to Jenkins Road near the North Reading town line to take a report of vandalism and an assault that took place. A homeowner told police that his campaign sign, bearing the word “Trump” in support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, had been vandalized with spray paint. The caller told police that he confronted the suspect, who allegedly drove off in an erratic manner, causing the victim to have to run out of the way of the oncoming vehicle.

An Andover Police Department investigation led police to identify and arrest SUSAN BRYANT, AGE 57, OF NORTH READING. She has been charged with four counts of Defacing Property and one count of Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (Vehicle).

The investigation determined that BRYANT was allegedly responsible for the damage and also multiple prior incidents of sign defacing at that property.

“During this Presidential election season, opinions as to who the next President should be may differ. The ability to express those opinions openly and freely is the cornerstone of democracy in our country,” Chief Keefe said. “Our concern is when people take it upon themselves to wrongly extend their ability of expression into vandalism and assault. The victim in this case was only protecting his freedom of speech and expression. We ask for the communities help in allowing all to express their opinions in safe, legal ways.”

The sign owner was not injured, and he indicated that the sign will be replaced.

BRYANT will likely be arraigned Monday in Lawrence District court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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