WOODBOURNE — Town of Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams announced that the police investigation into the discharge of a paintball gun toward the Woodbourne Schul on September 7, 2021, has resulted in the arrest of Christian Thomas, 24, of Woodbourne, for Attempted Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, a misdemeanor.

It is alleged that, on the morning of September 7, a day of Jewish religious observance, Thomas discharged a paintball gun toward the front door of the Schul on Route 52 in Woodbourne. Fallsburg Police received the report at the conclusion of the holiday observance. The incident was captured by video surveillance, which ultimately led police to locate and interview Thomas, collect relevant evidence and take him into custody.

Chief Williams said, “As I have said, time and time again, we will not tolerate conduct that makes people feel less than safe in our community. I am committed to the protection of all of the members of this community, across all divides. I thank those who took notice of this conduct and reported it for doing their part to ensure this person is held responsible for his conduct.”

Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steven Vegliante said, “I am proud of the Detectives and Officers of the Town of Fallsburg Police Department for bringing this investigation to an arrest so quickly. With this arrest we assure our residents that bias related crimes will simply not be tolerated in our community.”

Thomas has been arraigned and is due to appear before the Town of Fallsburg Justice Court on October 4.