N. Amityville van hit with racist graffiti
Police investigate van which had racial slurs spray painted on it in North Amityville. (May 11, 2011) Credit: James Carbone
A local pastor who was out jogging saw racist graffiti spray-painted on a van in North Amityville Wednesday morning and called 911.
Suffolk County police Hate Crimes investigators are trying to determine who vandalized the white Dodge van on Williams Avenue and punctured two tires.
Police would not comment on the incident, citing the continuing investigation.
But Pastor Thomas Humphrey of the Long Island Men's Center called the graffiti "a statement for trying to scare the community ... It should not be tolerated."
Humphrey called 911 at 6:42 a.m.
The owner of the van, who would identify himself only as Ken, told Newsday he believes the graffiti was the work of kids.
"I've seen other people have situations like this. You've seen it before," he said. "You don't anticipate it happening to you, but when it does happen to you, it's like a real eye-opener."
He added, "To me, I'm old enough to understand what that means, the significance. If you've been called that, you'd be very upset."
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Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.
