Vandal accused of using backhoe to damage New Jersey construction site

A vandal who authorities say used a backhoe to damage numerous items at a southern New Jersey construction site last month, including the backhoe, is now facing charges.

Damien Long, 29, of Pittsgrove Township, was recently charged with burglary and criminal mischief, Bridgeton police said. It’s not known if he’s retained an attorney.

The charges stem from an April 11 incident in which Long went to the construction site and used a backhoe to ride around and smash an electric utility pole, breaker box, an office trailer and the backhoe itself, authorities said. Police responded when someone called 911, but Long had already left the area by the time officers arrived.

The vandalism caused more than $12,000 worth of damage and was captured on video, authorities said.

Long was arrested last week after police found him at a home in Hopewell Township.

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