TITUSVILLE, Fla. — A New York man with former ties to Titusville has been arrested after police say he vandalized hearses at two local funeral homes.
According to the Titusville Police Department, officers arrested 60-year-old John Edward Dietsch on Aug. 7 after investigating reports of vandalism at North Brevard Funeral Home on Norwood Avenue and Lewis Ray Mortuary on South Hopkins Avenue.
Police said vehicle tires were slashed, windows were smashed and paint was scratched. Surveillance video from both locations allegedly showed Dietsch arriving in a dark-colored SUV and damaging the hearses. In one video, police said the suspect walked up to a camera while holding what appeared to be an axe and a cellphone.
Officers located Dietsch at the Three Oaks Motel, where he surrendered without incident. Police said an axe believed to have been used in the vandalism was found inside his vehicle, which was towed for further investigation.
Dietsch is charged with two counts of felony criminal mischief involving more than $3,500 in damage.
Police said they believe the vandalism was a targeted, isolated incident and that there is no threat to the general public.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2026 Cox Media Group
