Rick Smith, Chief of Police
1 Union St.
Wakefield, MA 01880
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Wakefield Police Investigating Racial Slurs Spray Painted on Rocks Behind School
WAKEFIELD — Chief Rick Smith reports that the Wakefield Police Department is investigating an incident where racial slurs were found spray painted on rocks in a wooded area behind Greenwood Elementary School yesterday.
At approximately 9 a.m. Tuesday, a Wakefield School Resource Officer was notified about two racial slurs that had been spray painted on two rocks in a wooded area behind the Greenwood Elementary School, 1030 Main St.
The incident appears to be a random act at this time, and the graffiti has since been removed.
“Certainly this is not the type of language that this community supports or tolerates,” Chief Smith said. “Although this appears to be an isolated incident, we will be actively investigating and urge residents to keep an eye out in their neighborhood.”
Wakefield Police are asking residents and drivers to report any suspicious activity that they might see in the area of Main Street and Greenwood Avenue. Police sent out a flyer to residents in the area asking them to be on the lookout for anyone that might be conducting illegal activity.
The police department is working closely with the Wakefield Public Schools and the incident remains under active investigation. Chief Smith has also notified the town’s Human Rights Commission and reached out to local clergy regarding the incident.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Wakefield Police at 781-245-1212.
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