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Kokomo police say someone spray painted "KKK" on personal property across the city

Posted at 10:05 PM, Oct 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-19 21:12:31-04

KOKOMO, Ind. -- The Kokomo Police Department says vandals spray painted the letters "KKK" on personal property across the city.

Police say the vandals spray painted political signs, homes, a street sign and a vehicle in the late evening of October 16 and the early morning of October 17.

“These actions and threats are the tools of cowards and bigots,” said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. “This is not representative of our community. It seems that the hateful language and fear mongering coming out of the national campaign is triggering this. I want everyone to know that we are taking this issue very seriously and the KPD is mounting a full investigation, including contacting the FBI about possible hate crime designation. The people behind this are trying to scare and intimidate people. We must come together to support our neighbors at this time.”

“Our officers are investigating these attacks and we have already been in contact with the FBI,” said KPD Chief Rob Baker. “Under Mayor Goodnight’s direction, we have ordered targeted patrols for the North East side while we investigate. There have been at least seven properties that were targeted. Residents deserve to be safe in their homes and secure in their ability to participate in their community. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Police Department immediately.”

All cases of vandalism remain under investigation. Anyone with information about who may be responsible is asked to contact the Kokomo police Hotline at (765) 456-7017 or Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.