Two hate crime incidents under investigation in Bristol

BRISTOL, CT (WFSB) - Symbols of racism are showing up on public property throughout the city of Bristol, and police are trying to figure out who is behind it.

Three instances of graffiti have been found since the weekend.

Chris Deutch from Bristol, “it’s very tough being a parent because he’s only seven so how do you bring that up?”

A trip to the playground shouldn’t have to be a segue into a conversation about racism.

Families in Bristol were confronted by its unfortunate ubiquity this weekend when a racial slur was found scrawled in chalk by Rockwell Park’s Skate area.

Nate from Bristol said, “it’s kind of disturbing we’ve lived here all our lives and it’s out of place.”

Spraying down some chalk off a sidewalk is one thing, but by Monday, Bristol officials found that there were two other racist symbols that were a little bit harder for crews to clean.

“When I got home from work last night, I was pulling up I noticed the sign was filled with graffiti yellow paint all over the stop sign,” said Rick Glownia from Bristol.

Bristol police confirm that spray paint found Monday at the crossing of Shagbark and Deer Park Roads was a swastika.

Town employees quickly tore the stop sign down.

As Northeast Middle School’s no smoking sign provided a canvas for a second swastika found that same day.

Ted Gladis from Bristol said, “it just seems that it’s more prevalent these days than it used to be.”

In August, there were reports of a group of people holding a “Keep CT White” sign along with flares.

Bristol officials now forced to repeat themselves with the mayor saying in a statement that ‘there is no room for hate in the City of Bristol.’”

Police are also asking neighbors to check their security cameras.

“If it’s just kids, then the question is where are the parents? And if it’s not, then get out of my town we don’t need you,” said Glownia.

“We are asking for the public’s assistance with providing any information that may lead to the identification of the suspect or suspects responsible for these crimes,” police said in a statement. “We are asking for anyone who may have cameras in the area to review and report suspicious activity.”

The Bristol Police Department said it will vigorously investigate any crimes of hate and racism using all possible investigative tools and resources.

“We will work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to find those responsible,” it said.

Anyone with information about the incidents was asked contact Bristol detectives at 860-314-4569. They can also leave anonymous tips at 860-585-8477 (TIPS) or email BPDcrimewatch@bristolct.gov.

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