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Last updated on Friday, April 12, 2013
(BLOOMINGTON) - 27-year-old Benjamin Curell, of Ellettsville, is accused of taking an ax and smashing the glass windows and doors at Bloomington’s Planned Parenthood clinic early Thursday morning.
Curell is also accused of damaging computers and splashing red paint on the building.
Curell has been charged with burglary, criminal mischief after police say he caused "extensive damage" inside the building. Police estimated damages in excess of $2,500.
According to Capt. Joseph Qualters, Curell told police he vandalized the building because Planned Parenthood kills and murders babies.
"He attributed his actions to his religious beliefs," Qualters wrote in a news release.
Planned Parenthood closed for the day and began rescheduling appointments.
Workers continued to remove red paint from the sides of double doors facing Walnut Street as anti-abortion activists remained in front of the building for their regular protest day.
Glass blocks at the front of the building were cracked. A window and door to the side of the building were also destroyed.
Escorts remained outside of the building awaiting potential clients who may have not heard about the incident, while they also helped sweep up broken glass from the sidewalks and inside of door frames.
Patti Long, a manager at the Planned Parenthood clinic, said she has never seen an act like this at the Bloomington location during her 13 years with the organization.
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