Arrest made after video captures man punching Harriet Tubman statue in St. Catharines

A 24-year-old man has been arrested after a statue of Harriet Tubman was damaged in St. Catharines.

Police launched an investigation earlier this week after the statue was damaged in a courtyard outside the Salem Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church on Geneva St.

A surveillance camera outside captured a person sitting on a bench before walking over to the statue and knocking it to the ground on Sunday.

Historian Rochelle Bush said the act of vandalism left her feeling heartbroken.

Tubman escaped slavery and became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, leading enslaved people to freedom in Canada. She settled in what is now known as the Niagara Region and was a part of the church.

On Wednesday, officers arrested Jessie Lohnes-Alanko and charged him with mischief over $5,000 and fail to comply with probation order.

Lohnes-Alanko has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.