Possible Hate Crime Reported in Brooklyn Park

Anne Arundel County Police are investigating a Racial, Religious, Ethnic, Sexual Orientation or Disability (RRESOD) hate/bias incident in Brooklyn Park in which racially offensive graffiti was scratched into a man's car.

According to a police press release, officers responded to the 300 block of Church Street at about 9 a.m. Thursday for a reported RRESOC hate/bias incident.

Once on the scene, officers spoke with a 28-year-old black man who said when he awoke and went out to his Lincoln Town Car, which was parked in Alley 37 overnight, he saw extensive damage to the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

Damage included racially offensive graffiti scratched into the hood and trunk, a smashed windshield and sunroof, slashed passenger side tires and interior upholstery and the car was keyed along the driver's side, police said. Items also were stolen from the trunk.

Officers searched the area but were unable to locate a suspect. Police said it was unclear if it was a random or targeted act.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the at 410-222-6135.