At a Glance
- Blane Dongas, 29, of Dallas, Pa., is charged with trespassing and criminal mischief after allegedly ripping a fiberglass Humpty Dumpty statue from a Cape May miniature golf course on Sept. 7, 2025.
- Surveillance footage reportedly shows Dongas climbing a fence at Ocean Putt Miniature Golf Course around 4 a.m. and breaking the statue from its foundation.
- The damage is estimated at $1,000 to repair or $2,000 to replace.
- Dongas surrendered to police on Jan. 19, 2026.
Why it matters: The incident caused thousands in damages to a beloved local landmark and led to a months-long investigation.
A Pennsylvania man has been arrested for allegedly destroying a popular fiberglass Humpty Dumpty statue at a Cape May, New Jersey, miniature golf course, according to authorities.
Arrest and Charges
Blane Dongas, 29, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, faces charges of trespassing and criminal mischief, Cape May police said.
The arrest follows an incident that occurred on Sept. 7, 2025, at the Ocean Putt Miniature Golf Course, located at the intersection of Jackson Street and Beach Avenue.
The Incident
Police responded to the golf course at approximately 8:57 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2025, after receiving reports of vandalism.
Upon arrival, officers discovered what they described as an “iconic Humpty Dumpty-themed fiberglass golf structure” had been forcibly removed from its foundation.
The statue, a fixture at the course, was found discarded on an adjacent property.
Authorities estimate the cost to repair the structure at $1,000, while replacing it entirely would cost approximately $2,000.
Investigation Details
During the investigation, police reviewed surveillance footage from the area.
The video allegedly shows Dongas and an unidentified man walking along the side of the golf course at around 4 a.m. on the morning of the incident.
According to police, the footage captures Dongas climbing a fence to enter the property. He is then seen breaking the Humpty Dumpty statue from its base and throwing it onto a neighboring property.
In addition to the surveillance video, investigators analyzed Dongas’ phone records, which they say placed him at the scene during the time of the crime.
Surrender and Custody
Following the investigation, Dongas turned himself in to authorities on Jan. 19, 2026.
He was processed and charged accordingly.
The status of the unidentified man seen in the surveillance footage remains unclear. Police have not announced any additional arrests related to the incident.
Community Impact
The Humpty Dumpty statue was described by police as “iconic,” suggesting it held sentimental or aesthetic value for visitors to the Ocean Putt Miniature Golf Course.
The course, located in a popular shore town, attracts families and tourists during the summer season.
Damage to the statue represents not only a financial loss but also a disruption to the course’s decorative theme.
Legal Proceedings
Dongas faces two charges:
- Trespassing
- Criminal mischief
The charges stem from allegations that he unlawfully entered the property and intentionally damaged the statue.
No court dates or bail information was released in the initial report.
Key Takeaways
- A beloved fiberglass Humpty Dumpty statue was destroyed at a Cape May miniature golf course.
- Surveillance footage and phone records linked Blane Dongas to the scene.
- The damage is estimated between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Dongas surrendered to police four months after the incident.
