Four people are facing hate crime charges after vandalism complaints in the Village of Arcade. Police responded to a number of calls Saturday morning. They say they found 10 cars, one boat, two bridges and some stop signs that had been tagged with racist slurs and at least one swastika. Police say there was also damage done in the Town of Yorkshire the previous night.
Following their investigation, police arrested four people. 20-year-old Damien Brown, of North Collins, is facing charges along with two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, who are all from Springville. Brown is charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree as a hate crime, Conspiracy in the 5th Degree and Disorderly Conduct. He was arraigned in Arcade and remanded to the Wyoming County Jail.
Police have not released the names of the younger suspects. They were also charged with Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree as a hate crime, Conspiracy in the 5th Degree And Disorderly Conduct. They were all arraigned in Arcade Justice Court and returned to their parents to appear in Arcade Justice Court at a later date.
Police believe this group may have been responsible for vandalism that’s happened in an number of towns over the past few months, including Orchard Park and Sardinia. Police say charges are pending in a number of other towns.