Alleged Hate Crimes Stain 2 Santa Cruz Churches

SANTA CRUZ - Police are investigating two alleged hate crimes after a pair of Santa Cruz churches were vandalized over the weekend.

At around 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a report of vandalism at Holy Cross Church, located at 126 High Street.

A short while later, at 7:10 a.m., officers received another report of vandalism at Cavalry Episcopal Church, located at 532 Center Street, police said.

In both incidents, a custodian had arrived for work and found light blue paint splashed on or near the churches’ entrances, according to police.

Paint was spilled on the churches’ front steps and door frames. Paint smeared in the shape of a human hand could also be seen outside the entrance of each church.

It does not appear the suspects entered either church, police said.

Officers determined the acts of vandalism occurred sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 a.m. Sunday.

Currently, police do not have any suspects and officers are looking for any surveillance video in the area.

The police department has increased patrols around the area and is considering both incidents as hate crimes, as the suspects targeted places of worship.

Anyone who may have witnessed the acts of vandalism or have information about the suspects is encouraged to call police at (831) 420-5820.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call (831) 420-5995.

-Bay City News, image via ShutterStock