Vandals spray paint ‘Hail Satan’ on Wallingford church, 3 arrested

Two teenagers and an adult were arrested on vandalism charges after police say they spray painted buildings and at least one car in the downtown area early Monday. The graffiti included “Hail Satan” spray painted in dark red on the side of St. Casimir’s Polish National Church on Quinnipiac Street.

Ralph Infante, 20, of Wallingford, was charged with second-degree criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit second-degree mischief. He was released on a promise to appear in court.

A 15-year-old and 16-year-old from Meriden were also arrested and released to their families. Police did not release their identities.

The three were stopped by police at about 3 a.m. at the corner of Washington and Grand streets, police Lt. Cheryl Bradley said. Infante and the two teens confessed and directed officers to a discarded can of spray paint, she added.


In addition to the church at 240 Quinnipiac St., there was also graffiti at the entrance to nearby Wallace Park, on a car in the parking lot behind Brother’s Restaurant at 33 N. Cherry St., and a fence in the parking lot behind KnuckleHeads restaurant, 80 Center St. There were also some words spray painted on a building at 145 Quinnipiac St.

Wallingford resident Pat Flanagan, who lives across from the church, said she opened her door Monday morning and was shocked to see “Hail Satan.”

“It’s spooky, really spooky,” Flanagan said. “What’s the matter with these people?”

The church, which just celebrated its 100th year, has wire wrapped around its front steps because skateboarders were causing damage to the stairs, the Rev. Joseph Krusienski said.

Richard Cipriani, who owns 145 Quinnipiac St., said this is the first act of vandalism he can recall.

“I’ve owned this building for 37 years and this is the first time anything has happened,” Cipriani said. “It feels terrible.”

KnuckleHeads employee Osiel Pinon said it would be different if the vandals painted a mural, but the marks left around town are “ugly.”

“It’s a little frustrating,” he said. “I just don’t understand.”

Town Councilor Craig Fishbein said the graffiti is “atrocious.” A few months ago, vandals left racist graffiti on the gazebo at Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park, named for his grandmother, at the intersection of Quinnpiac Street and Route 5.

“It’s getting out of control,” Fishbein said.

Bradley said one of the suspects seemed to show remorse.

“One of the juveniles was very upset,” Bradley said. “The other two, I wouldn’t say remorseful, I would say just upset they got caught but not really upset at what they did.”

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