Police report that the nativity put out by the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council #2502 on Jericho Turnpike across from the Knights of Columbus hall was vandalized Tuesday night after a 38-year-old man punched in the plexiglass protecting the nativity and, according to police, threw four cement figures, worth approximately $2,300, onto the turnpike causing damage to each.

The Nativity, which is put next to a police booth on Jericho Turnpike, located in proximity to the old village hall, has become a tradition in the village. Grand Knight Water Kowalewski said the statues go back at least 30 to 40 years.

According to police, the incident took place at 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Third Precinct police officers Gennaro Destefano and James Dupont responded and placed Otto Quinteros under arrest. According to police, Quinteros lives in an apartment on Willis Avenue.

Quinteros, according to police, punched the plexiglass, broke a wooden case and threw four figures onto the turnpike.

On Wednesday, the Nativity had been taken over to the Knights of Columbus hall, where it sat in the lobby. The pieces, which are made out of concrete, had some chips; and the head of the one of the wisemen and the head of one of the sheep appeared to have been cracked.

Mr. Kowalewski, who was alerted to the incident by fellow Knight Bob Teemsma, said the Knights hope to have the Nativity back out even though it may have less pieces.

"Quite a few people were upset that this happened," Mr. Kowalewski said.

Mr. Kowalewski asks that if anyone knows how to restore the statues or knows of how they can be replaced to call him at 248-1792.