Police Continue to Investigate Hate Graffiti at Bethesda, Potomac Schools

Montgomery County police are still investigating a series of July hate vandalism incidents—including one at Potomac’s and one at Bethesda’s —they are describing as possibly related.

There’s been no arrests yet in the incidents, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

During the first incident in the early morning hours of July 13, 20 cars were vandalized in Spencerville. The vandalism included tire slashings and two incidents of hate graffiti.

Then, on July 14, Herbert Hoover Middle School was vandalized with sexual images and hate language. The happened at North Bethesda Middle School July 16. The vandalism there included broken windows at the school, sexually-descriptive and ethnically-offensive graffiti and initials painted on the exterior of the building. Seven vehicles on Beech Avenue were also vandalized, including one that was spray-painted with an ethnically offensive word.

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents as hate crimes.

Because of the time frame of the incidents and similarities in the graffiti, police now believe the crimes may be connected. Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest or indictment. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous and qualify for the reward can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or at 240-773-8477. Tipsters can also text “MCPD” plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).