FBI classifies North Tahoe/Incline Village church vandalism as hate crimes

The FBI and Placer County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing churches in the North Lake Tahoe area.

Between April 4 and September 14, 2015, multiple churches were vandalized, including one in Kings Beach and one in Tahoe City. One religious statue and exterior walls were spray-painted with offensive statements. Detectives are working with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, which has also had several churches vandalized in the Incline Village area.

The FBI, which says this is a hate crime investigation, says at least one of the people responsible for the vandalism is described as a tall thin white male who is 18-25 years old. He man have red, blue, and yellow spray paint cans, and several fire extinguishers. He is believed to be responsible for the burglary of an Incline Village elementary school, a residential burglary on Marlene Street in Incline Village, and vandalism to an Incline Village judicial court vehicle.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the subject(s) responsible for these incidents of vandalism. There may be additional rewards being offered by other local law enforcement agencies and private parties.

If you have any information, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. You are also encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

You can also contact Placer Detective John Riella at 530-581-6325. Anyone who has information but wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 should contact Placer County Crime Stoppers at 800-923-8191. All tips remain strictly confidential.

-Read Original Story ->