More Than 150 Tombstones Overturned, Damaged At 2 Cemeteries
IRA TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say more than 150 tombstones were overturned or damaged by vandals at two cemeteries in St. Clair County.
Clay Township police Lt. Michael Koach said investigators believe damage was done early Saturday at Sacred Heart and St. Mary's cemeteries in Ira Township.
"Pretty much, anything that could be tipped over was tipped over -- it's very sad," Koach told the Times Herald of Port Huron.
Immaculate Conception Parish owns the cemeteries, which are across a road from each other. The Rev. Joseph Esper, pastor of the parish, says he believes that many of the headstones can be righted and reattached, but some were fractured or smashed more seriously.
Some of the damaged headstones date to the 1800s. Volunteers plan to work later this week to restore the cemetery.
Police are still searching for suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at (810) 794-9381.
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