Graffiti Vandals Hit Downtown Palestine

PALESTINE — Palestine detectives are investigating downtown graffiti vandalism targeting several buildings, including some high-profile locations, and even a police squad car. According to KETK, authorities responded between 10:20 and 10:30 p.m. Sunday, after an officer found his squad car had been “tagged” with black spray paint on the driver’s side center post while he was in the police station. Other target locations include the Federal Building, the Anderson County Courthouse, Capital Gaines II, The Masonic Lodge, First Christian Church, Mini-Mart, Brianna’s, KYYK, Prosperity Bank, Anderson County Probation, Reagan Park, Kroger, USA Donuts, and Family Dollar at 328 E. Spring.

Assistant Chief Jeff Powell says police have come up empty so far in their search for suspects. In a news release, he asks businesses and residents in the area to check any surveillance footage between the hours of darkness and the early morning hours — and to contact police if anything shows up. Powell says several of the prominent locations were tagged were done during this time frame, but perhaps not all — and that it’s not yet clear whether the same person or group is responsible for all the taggings. Also, if you spotted any suspicious people downtown Sunday night and can provide a description of them, you’re asked to contact the PD or submit a tip using TIP411, or call Crime Stoppers with your information. Powell says tipsters may remain anonymous if they choose.