BIAS CRIME - Beltrami County

On May 25, 2012 at approximately 12:40 AM, Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a citizen’s call regarding a burning cross in the reporting party’s yard in Northern Township. Officers responded to the scene and interviewed the victim who was home alone at the time and spotted a single individual fleeing on foot from the area of the burning cross. The citizen had doused the flames prior to deputy’s arrival. Deputies discovered a racist message and other racist artifacts on the cross and began investigating the scene for further clues.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the case as a Bias Crime. Anyone who may have information regarding this crime is asked to call the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office at 218-333-9111 or 1-888-449-9111.

Sheriff Phil Hodapp