Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies investigate arson and graffiti involving racial slurs and inappropriate images in Perinton. We do not tolerate any despicable acts of this nature and will work diligently to make an arrest and prosecute the perpetrator(s) to the fullest extent of the law.
Perinton, NY (November 26, 2022) – On Friday, November 25, 2022 at 2:07 a.m., Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Crossing Creek Drive for the report of two people in the apartment complex parking lot with spray paint. As a deputy pulled into the parking lot, both suspects ran west-bound towards Mason Rd. The deputy observed a racial slur spray painted on a vehicle in the lot. MCSO established a perimeter as well as conducted a K-9 track and neighborhood canvas. Efforts to locate the suspect(s) were unsuccessful.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered additional graffiti in a second area of the complex on Crossing Creek Drive consisting of a racial slur and vulgar images spray-painted on a garage door and electrical box. Deputies located several surveillance cameras on the building. The video depicts two individuals in the area spray painting a vehicle. Deputies are working diligently to identify the suspects.
On Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 2:51 a.m., MCSO deputies responded to 49 Mason Rd., in close proximity to Crossing Creek Drive, for a reported house fire. Upon arrival, deputies noticed the lower portion of the corner of the house was smoldering. Deputies confirmed everyone got out of the house safely. Upon investigation, deputies discovered evidence that would indicate the fire was intentionally set.
Deputies set up a perimeter and conducted a neighborhood canvas with negative results. We continue to work with our partners at the Monroe County Fire Bureau on this ongoing arson investigation.
During the course of the investigation, deputies located a freshly painted graffiti on the entry sign to the Church of the Resurrection, located at 63 Mason Rd. The sign depicted a racial slur on one side and a swastika on the other side. MCSO is in contact with the church pastor to obtain surveillance video.
“These acts are despicable, disturbing and will not be tolerated,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “Our investigators and deputies are working around the clock to determine who is responsible. We are dedicating any resources the investigators see necessary to bring those who committed these crimes to justice. We will prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law.”
MCSO continues to pursue all leads with a dedicated investigator coordinating our investigation; some of our efforts are overt and you will see our presence, others are not. Our deputies continue to canvass the neighborhoods involved, knocking on doors to gather information. We also continue to work with the Monroe County Fire Bureau to investigate the arson. Our Victim Assistance Specialists are available to work with those most affected by these crimes, offering any support they may need.
MCSO notified the Perinton Town Supervisor and reached out to our law enforcement partners in neighboring jurisdictions, with no additional crimes reported. We are asking any homeowners or business owners in the area to please review your surveillance video during the overnight hours Friday and Saturday for any suspicious activity. Anyone with information or video suggesting a crime is urged to call 9-1-1 and ask for the A-Zone Supervisor.
Rest assured, we will not stop until those responsible are held accountable for these crimes. When the suspects are identified, we will pursue the highest possible charge, to include a hate crime, if applicable.