At a Glance
- Allentown police arrest Deon Gardner, 33, for smashing windows at the federal courthouse.
- The Edward N. Cahn Courthouse on Hamilton Street was vandalized around 6 p.m. on Dec. 29.
- Gardner faces charges of vandalism and criminal mischief; federal prosecution is being considered.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing security concerns at federal facilities and shows authorities’ swift response.
On the night of Dec. 29, a man was caught breaking into the federal courthouse in Allentown, prompting a rapid arrest by local police. The case underscores the seriousness of vandalism at government buildings.
Incident Details
Police in Lehigh County seized Deon Gardner, 33, near the courthouse after the building’s windows were shattered around 6 p.m. The Edward N. Cahn Courthouse on Hamilton Street was the target of the vandalism.
The assault was reported by News Of Philadelphia, which released a tweet detailing the event and the arrest.
News Of Philadelphia stated:
> “At approximately 6pm last night, the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse in Allentown was vandalized. Deon Gardner, a 33-year-old male, was located at the scene and arrested by Allentown Police for Institutional Vandalism and Criminal Mischief. Federal prosecution is being considered.”
- Institutional Vandalism
- Criminal Mischief
- Federal prosecution being considered
Charges and Next Steps
Gardner is now under arrest and faces charges that could lead to federal involvement.
| Aspect | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Edward N. Cahn Courthouse, Allentown | Federal courthouse |
| Date & Time | Dec. 29, ~6 p.m. | Incident time |
| Charges | Vandalism, Criminal Mischief | Potential federal prosecution |
| Status | Arrested | Pending legal proceedings |
The News Of Philadelphia highlighted the seriousness of the act, noting that federal prosecution is being considered.
Key Takeaways
- Deon Gardner arrested for vandalizing the federal courthouse.
- Charges include vandalism and criminal mischief, with federal prosecution possible.
- The incident took place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Edward N. Cahn Courthouse.
Authorities are moving forward with the case, underscoring the importance of protecting federal property.
