At least 10 incidents of vandalism, involving smashed pumpkins and damaged or stolen Pride Flags, have been reported in the Perry District of Spokane. The Spokane Police Department is treating these incidents as potential hate crimes, as they have specifically targeted the LGBTQ community. Despite the presence of suspects captured on multiple ring cameras, the police are still working to identify the individuals responsible, who were wearing masks during the acts of vandalism.
The Spokane Police Department has assigned both the Major Crimes and Spear Units to investigate these crimes. In response to the incidents, patrols in the Perry District have been increased, and residents are urged to review their ring doorbell footage from the night between midnight and 2:00 a.m. for any potential leads, such as identifying vehicles or directions taken by the suspects.
Police Chief Craig Midel expressed concern over the impact these incidents have had on the community. He emphasized the need for the perpetrators to cease their actions, stating that the police will diligently pursue every lead until the individuals responsible are identified. The suspects currently face charges of theft and malicious mischief, but these charges may be elevated if a judge determines that the acts were indeed hate crimes.
Chief Midel called on the community to unite against such behavior and encouraged anyone with information related to the incidents or the identities of the perpetrators to contact Crime Check and provide a report.
