PHILADELPHIA, PA—Philadelphia police are investigating an alleged act of institutional vandalism after racist slogans were spray-painted on the exterior of Roxborough High School in the city’s Northwest section early Sunday morning.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the incident occurred around 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, January 4, at the school located at 6498 Ridge Avenue. Authorities said an unknown individual defaced multiple exterior walls with racist graffiti before fleeing the area.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows a man approaching the school on foot, traveling eastbound on Fountain Street toward Pechin Street. Police allege the individual began spray-painting the school’s walls, then continued toward the rear of the building, causing additional damage before leaving the property. He was last seen heading toward Ridge Avenue.
Detectives described the suspect as a white male wearing an orange scarf or wrap, a green-and-black winter hat, a gray hooded jacket, gray pants, and carrying a gray-and-black backpack.
No arrests have been announced, and police emphasized that the incident remains under active investigation. Anyone with information related to the vandalism or the individual seen in the surveillance footage is urged to contact the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353 or 215-686-3354, referencing case number DC 26-05-000187.
Authorities stressed that the alleged offender is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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