Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating vandalism to road signs on the west side of the county and are asking the public for help in identifying the culprits.
Deputies were first called to the 8000 block of County Road 550W at 12:33 a.m. Friday about vandalism to a speed limit sign. When deputies arrived, they found multiple road signs covered with black paint between the areas of County Roads 525W, 550W, Carr Hill Road and Youth Camp Road.
Each of the 14 vandalized signs were painted with graffiti, profanity and swastika symbols, deputies said.
A witness reported that a dark-colored pickup truck dropped off an individual in the area and later, a white truck picked up the same individual and drove away.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers said vandalizing the signs has created a significant public safety issue and asked anyone with information to call police.
“When motorists can’t read these signs, it definitely creates opportunities for very serious accidents,” Myers said.
Some of the graffiti on the signs, including swastika logos, have hate-crime implications and will be investigated and reported to federal officials, Myers said.
“There is no justification for this type of behavior and it will not be tolerated,” he said.
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Anyone with information is asked to call the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department at 812-379-1650 or the anonymous tip line at 812-379-1712. Tips may also be emailed to sheriff@bartholomew.in.gov. All tips may be left anonymously.
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