Church Vandalism Being Investigated As A Possible Hate Crime

STOCKTON, CA — A Stockton church was vandalized Sunday morning, and police are investigating to see if a hate crime was committed.

Cathedral of the Annunciation, at 400 W Rose St., had white paint splattered across its front doors, as well as a walkway, a landscaped area, and a parked flatbed trailer.

The paint was discovered by a church employee, who reported it to Stockon Police Department just before 6:30 a.m.

Police believe the paint was applied sometime around 5:45 a.m., according to Officer David Scott, a spokesperson for the Stockton Police Department.

The Catholic church is part of the Diocese of Stockton. Its 7 a.m. mass was held as scheduled, according to a statement from the church on its Facebook page.

"Thanks to our amazing parishioners volunteered their pressure washing equipment and talent, and our maintenance person will finish off the details on the doors. Thank you to the community for your prayers. God is good!" the message said in English and Spanish.

Police did release any suspect description or possible motive as of Sunday evening.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact the Stockton Police Department at (209) 937- 8377.

By Thomas Hughes, Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.