HoCo Arrests Three For Racist Graffiti

From HoCo PD:

Howard County police have charged three teens for defacing Mt. Hebron High School with racist graffiti, destroying school property and stealing electronics from the school.

Three 15-year-old males from Ellicott City, who all attend the school, are charged with second- and fourth-degree burglary, two counts of malicious destruction of property, 13 counts of theft and defacing school property with hate messages.

One of the teens was arrested Friday. The other two were arrested Monday. Following their arrests, all of the teens were released to their parents.

The vandalism occurred at the school in the 9400 block of Old Frederick Road in Ellicott City on Dec. 5. Police believe the vandals broke a side window in a portable classroom trailer to gain entry. Once inside, the suspects used spray paint to deface school property, depicting swastikas and the letters “KKK.” Police are investigating whether anyone at the school was specifically targeted.

The suspects also stole electronics and damaged computer equipment. During the course of the investigation, police recovered all of the stolen electronics.

In an unrelated case, police are investigating an incident where racist and obscene graffiti was spray painted on the exterior of Hammond Middle School. The vandalism occurred between Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:25 a.m.

Vandals spray painted the outside of the school building and a trailer with a swastika and a gun firing at a Star of David. The graffiti also included an obscene drawing and the word “Hi” with a smiley face. The school is located in the 8100 block of Aladdin Drive in Laurel.

Police are offering a $300 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call 410-313-STOP. Callers may remain anonymous.