CT woman accused of defacing crosswalk with ‘Save Gaza’ graffiti on Route 1 in Westport

A woman was charged with a misdemeanor vandalism offense after police alleged that she defaced a crosswalk on Route 1 in Westport with graffiti about the war in Gaza.

Police responded to Post Road East on Thursday evening after receiving a report that a female had “inked” the words “Save Gaza” on the crosswalk, according to a statement issued by Lt. Matthew Gouveia of the Westport Police Department.

Gouveia said temporary repairs were made Thursday evening and were further addressed Friday by the town’s Highway Department.

Upon investigating, police identified Katerina Hasiotis of Bridgeport as the person allegedly responsible for the vandalism, according to Gouveia.

Hasiotis turned herself in on Friday morning and was issued a misdemeanor summons for criminal mischief. She is expected to answer the charge in Stamford Superior Court on June 20.

“The Westport Police Department is committed to protecting the public’s right to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech,” Gouveia said. “Freedom of speech, however, does not include the destruction or defacement of public or private property. The town respects and encourages the citizenry to express their opinions regardless of point of view, however, this must be done in a peaceful manner with respect to other’s personal safety and property.”