Police Offer $500 for Help Solving 'Hate Crime'

Though most people take to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail for a scenic break from the city, visitors over the weekend likely encountered quite the disturbing message.

Spray-painted letters spelled out phrases such as, "nazi city," "ku klux klan," "human toilet," "f*** head," "Hitler food pantry," swastika symbols and more.

Chief Richard Thomas said the department is investigating the graffiti, and is offering a $500 award to anyone offering information leading to an arrest. The typical award for such tips is $50.

"I consider this to be a hate crime," he said. "I think the seriousness of this crime rises to the level of — we need it solved, and we need it solved fast."

The graffiti started on the trail just beyond where it meets up with East Jackson Street, and continued to the area of , where the final message read, "Hitler's food pantry," according to the police report. A combination of green and blue paints were used, as well as a set of 6-inch stencils.

In looking into sales of 6-inch stencils at local retail stores, police were led to deadends and zero suspects. Police also did not find stencils or paint cans after conducting a search of the trail area; however, green and blue paint is being used for , and the graffiti happens to start close to that site.

This is not the first time the department has encountered such graffiti, Thomas said.

According to a police report, in June 2010 the words, "Hitler's Pantry Food" were painted — again with blue spray paint — on the sidewalk area of St. Peter's Church; the church houses Port's Food Pantry. At the time of this incident, the city had been doing some painting in front of the church property, and it is possible paint used in the graffiti was taken from that area.

The day before the graffiti appeared, a can of yellow paint had been thrown at the food pantry's door, the police report said.

In July 2009, the bike trail was dotted with a total of 26 symbols or phrases, again including swastika symbols over the word "city" (as seen in photos included with this story) and other phrases such as, "sucks**t," "gay fish," "redrum" and "f**k port."

Thomas said the department will seek criminal damage to property charges for the crime, but will also request that the District Attorney apply a hate crime aspect to the charge — under statute 939.645 — which can enhance the penalty.

People with information will remain anonymous by calling (262) 268-7682. Messages left on the hotline are checked regularly throughout the day, and callers providing tips leading to arrests will be eligible for a $500 award.

Thomas said callers with information should follow up on their tips by calling the hotline again to see if an arrest has been made so that they can cash in on the reward.