Authorities are investigating this incident as a hate crime.
Hagerstown, Md. (KM) – A malicious destruction of property offense in Washington County is being investigated as a hate crime.
State Police say at around 12:30 AM on Wednesday, a motorist contacted the Hagerstown barrack and reported that a message sign along Route 40 and Smithfield Lane had been re-programs to display a racial slur.
Troopers sent to the scene disabled the sign. They found out that the lock on the electronic display box had been broken and pried open, allowing a suspect or suspects to gain access and change the sign’s message.
Authorities contacted businesses and residents in the area, but so far, no arrests have been made.
That electronic message board was placed at that location last week. It contained a message reminding drivers not to text and drive.
Anyone who has information on this incident is asked to contact the State Police Barrack in Hagerstown at (301-766-3800.
By Kevin McManus