Former Harlem Globetrotter Targeted With Racist Vandalism In Petaluma: Update

PETALUMA, CA — No arrests have been made in the week since a Harlem Globetrotter and local youth basketball coach in Petaluma found his vehicle covered in racial slurs and hate symbols. It's not clear if police still consider the incident a crime.

William “Bull” Bullard, 41, posted a video on Instagram from Dec. 9 of his SUV covered in swastikas, racial slurs, and other hate symbols drawn into the dust on the windows. Bullard's white SUV was parked in the garage of a his Petaluma home.

“Why do people think that vandalizing vehicles with racial slurs is OK?” Bullard said in a video posted to his Instagram. "You all took so much time putting racial slurs on my truck that's just sitting there."

Petaluma police had said the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, and Bullard said he will press charges. Patch is waiting for comment from a Petaluma Police Department spokesperson following reports that investigators closed the investigation without making arrests.

“A lot of y’all don’t understand that racism is not a game. … I’ve been a victim of it my whole life — 41-year-old black man living in Sonoma County,” he said.

Bullard played for the Harlem Globetrotters for 17 years. He now co-owns a gym in Petaluma.

Bullard said he has experienced racism in the 4-5 years he has lived in Sonoma County.

"This is the 3rd or 4th time something racist has happened to me in Sonoma county… #sonomacounty please understand something, 1. I'm not from here. 2. I'm from Detroit and I handle things differently than you. 3. Don’t die thinking this shit is funny or cool. 4. I will have footage of the individuals soon and will post on IG as well. 5. These aren’t threats, this is for awareness. I do not take racist shot lightly with who I am!"

He was referring to video surveillance from security cameras around the parking garage where he keeps him SUV.

Bullard said this experience was especially "disheartening" because he has been trying to build something for the youth so they have life skills to be successful and become better people.

"But I'm concerned of, like, what's going on in the area -- being in a place where it's 1 to 2% minorities live in? I want to make sure I'm speaking up and being a voice for somebody," Bullard said.

"I'm doing this for awareness. I'm doing this to educate people, and I'm trying to let them know don't be afraid to speak up for yourself if something happens like this," he said. "Like, what's the worst thing that can happen? It can be ignored by the police, OK, but at least you spoke up."

Petaluma residents who responded to Bullard's posts online expressed remorse at the racism and that it happened in Petaluma.

"I'm crushed and furious and so sorry this has happened to you! Thank you for telling us, showing us. We Petalumans are so damn lucky to have you as a neighbor, a resource, a teacher and coach and elder and friend. I hope names are named, and people are called to account," wrote one man.