13 June, 2016
On Thursday June 9, 2016 the Hopkinton Police responded to a report of a swastika and the word “Jew” painted on a traffic safety sign on North Mill Street. Officers responded and observed the 2 two signs occupying the same post to be spray painted in orange paint.
Other officers checked the neighboring area to identify any suspects and locate any other vandalism. A non-religious biased profane word was discovered on Ash Street painted on a driveway in similar paint. After speaking with the resident it was determined the driveway was painted during the overnight and discovered Thursday morning about 8:00 AM by the homeowner.
Later on Thursday afternoon a resident reported finding the number “666” written on a piece of paper on Pond Street. The paper was marked with what appeared to be a red marker and was located at the roadside under a rock.
At this point in the investigation we have no evidence to make us suspect that anyone has been individually targeted based on their religious beliefs.
We have been in contact with our local synagogues and the AntiDefamation league who have offered assistance, guidance and training. Chief Ed Lee has stated that “the Hopkinton Police will have Zero Tolerance for this type of offensive behavior”.
The Hopkinton Police Department is investigating all three reports. If you have any information that will help us identify the person/persons responsible for these acts please contact the Hopkinton Police Department at (508) 497-3401. As always if you See Something Say Something.
###
At this time HPD will not be releasing photographic evidence.
