NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a disturbing incident that occurred early Wednesday morning at Brayton Hill Apartments.
According to Facebook posts made by friends and neighbors of the victim, someone smeared feces over her door and air conditioner and left a pile on her deck.
The victim, a single black woman with small children who is not being named, told friends that there had been a loud party in the apartment next door on Tuesday night and a racial slur could be heard repeatedly. That has lead some to believe that it could be a hate crime.
The perpetrator was reportedly caught on video by security cameras at the housing complex around 3 a.m.
Police on Thursday offered more information in that officers responded to the
The Facebook post also averred that the perpetrator was wearing clothing similar to that of one of the men at the party, but none of this information could be confirmed. Another poster, who says the gathering was at her home, denied there were any racist elements and said she was told by management that the suspect appeared hours after her guests left.
Police Lt. Anthony Beverly on Wednesday stated that police were actively investigating the incident but referred any further questions to the chief of police or the district attorney's office.
According to Facebook posts made by friends and neighbors of the victim, someone smeared feces over her door and air conditioner and left a pile on her deck.
The victim, a single black woman with small children who is not being named, told friends that there had been a loud party in the apartment next door on Tuesday night and a racial slur could be heard repeatedly. That has lead some to believe that it could be a hate crime.
The perpetrator was reportedly caught on video by security cameras at the housing complex around 3 a.m.
Police on Thursday offered more information in that officers were dispatched to Brayton Hill at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The responding officer and detectives assigned to the case are working with the Brayton Hill property manager, Millenia Housing Management, to determine if a suspect or suspects can be identified.
Police Chief Jason Wood said the department also is working in collaboration with District Attorney Andrea Harrington's office, including investigating possible racist motivations for the act.
"The district attorney's office condemns this behavior,” said Harrington in a statement forwarded by Wood. "We will use the full force of the law to hold accountable those who undermine the peace and safety of our community."
Mayor Thomas Bernard on Wednesday night said was aware of the incident and police investigation.
The Facebook post also averred that the perpetrator was wearing clothing similar to that of one of the men at the party, but none of this information could be confirmed. Another poster, who says the gathering was at her home, denied there were any racist elements and said she was told by management that the suspect appeared hours after her guests left.
Wood's statement said law enforcement will pursue every lead while ensuring that every citizen's constitutional rights are upheld, protected, and respected in the pursuit of justice for the victim of this reprehensible crime.
Outrage over the incident was immediate as the post was shared with community groups. A GoFundMe was set up to help the victim purchase a new air conditioner, security cameras in addition to the facility's and new locks, as well as to provide for moving costs should that become necessary.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the North Adams Police Department at 413-664-4945.
Write-thru at 2:36 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, including statement from Wood and Harrington.
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