'Hate Crime' Charge For Petaluma Suspect In Vandalism Of Former Harlem Globetrotter Car

PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma police arrested a man suspected of covering the vehicle of a Harlem Globetrotter and local youth basketball coach in Petaluma with racial slurs and hate symbols.

Police arrested a 20-year-old Petaluma resident, Corey Newman, on Thursday, according to a statement released today.

Police said they identified Newman as a suspect in an incident involving William “Bull” Bullard, who posted a video on Instagram 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 a public parking garage in Petaluma’s downtown district.

In videos posted to his Instagram following the vandalism that he was sure kids were responsible for the messages. "Why do kids think that's okay?" he said, adding that the experience was especially "disheartening" because as a coach he has been trying to build something for the youth.

“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."

Bullard said at the time he would press charges once police found the person who was responsible.

Today he uploaded an older video of the messages scrawled on his SUV and wrote "Petaluma police have caught the individual who vandalized my car."

Police said they arrested Newman during a traffic stop after reviewing more than a week of video evidence.

He was taken to the Sonoma County jail and faces charges of vandalism for defacing property and commission of a hate crime.

The Petaluma Police Department said the agency "takes all hate-related incidents seriously and remains fully committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations. Crimes motivated by bias have a profound impact not only on those directly affected, but also on the sense of safety and well-being of the entire community."

Police thanked Bullard and community for their patience and cooperation during the investigation.

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Former Harlem Globetrotter Targeted With Racist Vandalism In Petaluma