Police Investigating 'Trump 2020' Spray-Painted To Stoneham Fence
STONEHAM (CBS) -- A homeowner in Stoneham woke up to a vandalized fence Saturday morning. The phrases "Police Lives Matter" and "Vote Trump 2020" were spray-painted in red.
When police were called around 8 a.m., officers found three other spots that were also tagged in the Oak Street area.
"It's kind of disappointing when this type of stuff happens," said Dennis Runco, a maintenance worker, who spent the morning scrubbing the paint off the fence. "I agree with what it said, but there's no need to do it this way."
"It feels a little bit hateful. It's not the way to do things," said Jose Naveo, who was out for a run when he spotted the fence.
Police are investigating the graffiti as vandalism but there are no surveillance cameras in the area.
"We're very disappointed to see this type of vandalism in our community and would like to remind everyone that it will not be tolerated," Chief James McIntyre said in a statement.
The local Black Lives Matter group, Stoneham Stands, said its disappointed by the vandalism and its message.
"It's very frustrating for us to see something like that because it creates a division," said Adysn Kilty, of Stoneham Stands."When we say Black Lives Matter, we're not saying anyone else's life doesn't matter. We just know that the black community needs help right now so that's what we're trying to focus on. We still support our police department."
As neighbors worked to scrub the paint away, there was a mixed reaction from passersby. WBZ-TV's Tiffany Chan heard some say, "That's horrible" and others say "Leave it up there."