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Vandalism in Springfield Found Not to be a Hate Crime

Springfield police say an incident on March 25 was vandalism, not a hate crime.  A swastika was spray-painted on the front door of a residence at 815 E. Locust, and a car was vandalized.  The car had been egged, the front windshield smashed and the exterior mirrors damaged.

On the same night, police investigated another vandalism incident at 900 N. Fulbright where the residence had been egged, and racial slurs, a swastika and sexual images had been spray-painted on a vehicle. 

According to the Springfield Police Department, an investigation led officers to four male suspects, ages 18 to 21 who are acquainted with the residents of the vandalized properties.  Department officials say it’s been determined that these cases were pranks and not racially-motivated hate crimes. 

No arrests have been made at this time.  The Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is reviewing the cases and will make a determination as to whether any charges will be filed. 

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.