Hate messages and racial slurs were spray-painted on a few homes, a car and garage early Friday morning in Hastings, police reported.
Although the graffiti included racial slurs against blacks, none of about six modest homes sprayed with the red-and-black-paint are home to black residents, said Police Chief Paul Schnell. He said police haven't identified any suspects or motive.
The incident "creates terror and fear and is unacceptable," Schnell said. "It doesn't reflect community values."
The epithets included "hate rules" and "hail Satan," Schnell said. A picture window was painted on one house and another had a whole side covered with a one-word slur.
He said the graffiti didn't appear to be gang-related or targeted against residents of the homes. It was unusual because it was in a confined area around Forest Street and W. 18th Street, where police were called about 4:30 a.m., Schnell said. One woman reported seeing someone in dark clothing walking away from her home after her dog barked about 2 a.m.
Anyone with information about possible suspects is asked to call Hastings police at 651-480-2300 or 911.
JIM ADAMS
