Chico Police Department investigates another hate crime

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CHICO, Calif. — For the second time this week, the Chico Police Department said it is investigating a hate crime.

This time, the hate crime involves a mural dedicated to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women located at 945 W 2nd St.

The artist reported an unidentified individual drew swastikas and obscene language on the mural and attempted to light the bottom on fire.

One of the artists who created that mural, Shane Grammer, also created a mural in Upper Lake depicting Vanessa Niko in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, as Lake County News has reported.

“At this time, it is unknown if this incident is related to the hate crime also being investigated at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue,” the Chico Police Department said.

On Wednesday afternoon, police officers responded to the synagogue, where they found someone had drawn swastikas on a sign in front of the synagogue and then set the sign on fire.

The department said both the synagogue and mural cases have been forwarded to its detective bureau for further investigation.

“The Chico Police Department takes these incidents seriously and will investigate them thoroughly. Hate crimes impact not only individuals but our community,” the agency said in a Thursday statement.

The Chico Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 530-897-4911, reference case number 22-006874.