No Suspects Yet in Possible Hate Crime

The investigation into a suspected hate crime that took place in the Fielding and Edgewood area of Ferndale is still under investigation, Sgt. Detective Patrick Jones said.

"We still have no suspects at this time," Jones told Ferndale Patch on Monday afternoon.

Jones said that about 1 a.m. June 14, the victim was sitting inside his home when he heard the sound of something splattering. When he went outside to check on the noise, he saw that red paint had been thrown on his car and house.

Upon further inspection, the victim observed the word "Fag" spray-painted on his Ford Focus while the words "White Fag" scratched into another car parked at the victim's house. It was reported in the Daily Tribune that the victim was gay, but Jones said that information was not part of the report.

"I'm not labeling him, and he didn't say," Jones said. However, the department is calling the incident a hate crime.

The victim suffered a similar incident last summer, Jones said.

Crimes that can specifically be labeled a "hate crime" are rare in Ferndale, Jones said.

"Individuals of minority groups" — including those from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) community — "may report vandalism or damage to their property and may believe it is a hate crime, but it isn't clear," Jones said. "It may just be vandalism."

Jones said intent in this crime, however, is much more clear.

Though no suspects have been identified, Jones said the Ferndale Police Department is putting extra attention in that area.

Stay tuned to Ferndale Patch for a story on hate crimes in Ferndale.