FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio (WJW) – A Fairview Park man has been charged with multiple felony counts after police say he was identified as a suspect in two cases of vandalism and ethnic intimidation.
30-year-old Michael Freshwater was arrested on July 1.
Police began investigating after a vacant business in Fairview Centre on Lorain Rd. was vandalized on June 12. Police say someone wrote a racist message in spray paint.
Officers developed a person of interest in the case.
On July 1, Colors+ Youth Center was vandalized. The facility is an advocacy center for LGBTQ+ youth and allies located on Lorain Rd. Police say someone threw a brick through the window and spray-painted racist messages on the building.
Freshwater was identified by video surveillance, according to police, which also linked him to the June 12 incident.
Investigators obtained a probable cause warrant and searched Freshwater’s residence on July 1. Freshwater was also in violation of a Temporary Protection Order, police say. He was taken into custody. Police say he has an extensive criminal history that includes domestic violence, vandalism, theft and endangering children.