Police seeking man who left threatening signs at Upper Darby mosque

He was wearing a distinctive blue NASA jacket and a red aviator-type hat, but authorities say the suspect who left two offensive and threatening signs at the doors of a mosque and educational center in Upper Darby on Monday is most likely an emotionally disturbed person.

The writing on the signs seemed more like that of an illiterate person, said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

Police on Thursday released pictures captured by surveillance cameras that show the man leaving a sign at the back door of Masjid Al Madinah mosque, 201 S. 69th St., and a second sign outside the educational center for the mosque at Ludlow Street and Heather Road.

A cleaning person found the first sign at the mosque shortly after 9 a.m. Monday. Police were called to investigate, and the second sign at the educational center was discovered.

"You can see him place the sign and walk away," Chitwood said. A small fire was ignited under the sign, but that was not captured on the surveillance video. "The same guy goes to the educational center."

The signs, written in "really, really illiterate" form, blame Muslims for killing many people in Europe and include threatening language. Mostly, it's hard to interpret much of what is written on the signs, including: "Boys of Devol" and "Wild-Dogs End-Boys" on one with an American flag draped at the top.

"Obviously this guy has, based on what we know, some mental-health issues," Chitwood said. "This has to be taken seriously and this guy has to be taken off the street."

The suspect is described as a male, 50 to 60 years old, wearing a blue jacket with the NASA logo on the back, the red hat, and jeans, Chitwood said.

Upper Darby police are seeking the public's help to find the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call or message police at 610-734-7693.