3 Chesco men charged with ethnic intimidation

Three young Chester County men were charged yesterday with vandalizing Avon Grove High School, and painting a swastika on a car and sign, on Tuesday night.

Jeffrey Alan Mitchell and Joseph Christopher Knapp, both of Lincoln University, and Matthew Robert Schuster of Landenberg were charged with vandalism, ethnic intimidation, and criminal mischief. All three are 18. From a separate incident the same night, Mitchell faces additional charges of escape, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence, according to a court document.

Police said the young men defaced the high school in London Grove by spraying orange paint on a digital signboard, exterior walls, and a security camera. The damage was estimated at $6,000.

Two cars belonging to residents on Bramble Lane were damaged. The rear window and taillight of one car were shattered. A swastika was painted on the door of the other, police said. Obscene graffiti and a swastika were also painted in orange on the Franklin Chase development's sign and wall. - Mari A. Schaefer