FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Fort Collins police continue to investigate a string of vandalism incidents across the city, including broken windshields and damage from BBs.
But perhaps the most surprising offense was found spray painted on the front doors of Christ United Methodist Church Tuesday morning.
“It was unexpected, for sure,” said Pastor Aaron Gray. “We came into the office on Tuesday and thought just another day, but then we noticed the door had been vandalized.”
Gray says surveillance video showed someone spray painting racial and religious slurs on the door and on a handicap parking logo outside.
“It’s very discouraging, but it just kind of reminds you that it’s kind of the culture and context of the world that we’re living in,” he said.
Church members tried to clean it off but were mostly unsuccessful. A local company then stepped in to help.
Top Gun Pressure Washing sent a crew free of charge to clear the graffiti.
The company specializes in removing tire marks, oil spills and other hard-to-remove materials like graffiti.
“It was just an opportunity for us to give back,” said Stephanie White.
Gray says it was a positive outcome to an unfortunate situation.
“For someone else to come and recognize the need that we had at that moment, that was reassuring, very much so,” he said.
“It’s important that we’re here for one another,” said White. “We’re not here for ourselves, and if we are here to help one another, it will be a much better place to be.”
On Friday evening, Fort Collins police said three suspects were identified in connection to the case: two juvenile males and one 18-year-old male. The juveniles’ names will not be released; the 18-year-old’s name will be released once charges are filed.
“I’m proud of the excellent investigative work done by members of our agency to quickly apprehend these individuals,” said Fort Collins police Chief Swoboda in an email. “Damaging and defacing property with denigrating language has a very real impact on our community members. It’s not a harmless prank, and we will not tolerate this type of behavior.”
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the vandalism but has not already spoken with police is asked to call Det. Bryan Vogel at: 970-416-2392.