Tupelo police are looking for some alleged vandals who defaced property in a park earlier this month.
A release on social media said TPD is investigating an act of vandalism that took place at Hancock Park on Oct. 1, where graffiti, including a swastika, was spray-painted on public property.
Police were alerted to the damage on Oct. 3 and received photographs showing the defacement of the park, which included graffiti on a picnic table, park bench, and the grass. According to surveillance footage, the incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 and involved at least two black males spray-painting the area. A small child appears to be with them while the acts are going on.
“We take these acts of vandalism very seriously, especially when they involve hate symbols,” said Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka. “The community deserves to feel safe in public spaces, and we will doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”
Chief Quaka also emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving the case.
“If you have any information, please come forward. It can make a huge difference in our investigation,” he said.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Tupelo Police Department at 662-841-6491, via email at tpdrecords@tupeloms.gov, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-TIPS.
