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Man Arrested for Carving Swastika in Neighbor's Lawn

Neighbors watched in fear from inside their South Jersey home as a man carved a swastika into their lawn, according to authorities.

Police arrested 45-year-old Scott F. Cooney, of Lakewood, Ocean County, Wednesday for allegedly using what appeared to be a lead pipe to draw the offensive symbol into the grass around 1:30 p.m. Aug. 10.

The victims were inside their home when the incident occurred. Investigators said they did not want to exit the house because they did not want to provoke a confrontation with the suspect.

The victims said this is not the first time Cooney has harassed them, according to officials.

Cooney was charged with bias intimidation, harassment and criminal mischief.

During processing at the Lakewood Police Department Headquarters, Cooney complained of chest pains, according to reports.

Authorities transported him to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, where he was treated and released.

Cooney is being held on $25,00 bail at the Ocean County Jail, according to police.

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