IDER, Ala. — The Ider Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism at a newly renovated park, where homophobic and racist graffiti were discovered.
The vandalism, which happened at the town’s community park, included offensive remarks targeting both race and sexual orientation. Authorities are asking the public for assistance in identifying the people responsible for the damage.
Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone confirmed that the department is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
“We are asking you as parents to share this post and if you have knowledge of anyone being at the Ider Park this weekend or if your kids have done this we can handle this in house and professionally, or with state criminal charges, federal charges, and indefinitely paying for the damages via restitution,” Malone said.
Police are reviewing security footage from the park.
"Our Mayor and Council have been working vigorously to help kids have a safe space for recreation and it will absolutely not be tolerated. The racism, and homophobic remarks will be investigated as a hate crime. After the hours of footage is reviewed this past weekend it will be released and charges will be be filled. If you want to do the right thing, or receive a substantial reward reach out, we can do this civilly and preferably keep felony charges off of your record, but we will be exhausting every effort until this crime is solved. Due to the hate crime, this case will be turned over to the FBI and we will be pulling digital records and triangulation of cell phone data in the area at the time of the crime.
Do the right thing, apologize, fix this issue or face the consequences that we will be pushing to the fullest. The choice is yours. If the information you provide leads to an arrest you will receive the cash reward. Don’t throw your life away for this, and ruin your future, but if you don’t want to do the right thing, we most certainly will. We will not be letting this go.
Some images had to be blurred due to such vulgar remarks" — Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone
Ider Police investigating vandalism at community park
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Ider Police Department.
