West Linn home tagged, bias crime investigation underway

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A West Linn home tagged with racist graffiti is being investigated as a bias crime and police said they have "several possible leads at this time."

The home on Nixon Ave in the Robinwood neighborhood was vandalized around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Officials said they discovered racist words, symbols and anti-police graffiti.

Brienne Runyon, who lives in the neighborhood, told KOIN 6 News, "It’s my understanding that there is swastikas, a reference to a West Linn police officer and maybe some pagan or, like, satanic symbols," Runyon said.

She said there is boat access just past that house and described the area as "very walking-friendly."

"I looked out my front window and there was a police officer outside and I came out to see what was going on and the owners of the home were there," Runyon said. "I asked if everything was OK and they said, 'No, not so much.'"

The house is still under construction, she said, and the graffiti is inside the house. Contractors finished up around 2:30 p.m Wednesday. The owners came by a few hours later to check the house and discovered the vandalism, Runyon said.

"I was heartbroken. I know the owners and it’s a big deal to invest your money and heart into building a new home for your family and then to know that somebody who doesn’t belong there was inside and just doing whatever they wanted to," she said. "It’s pretty scary but also it’s very personal."

The homeowner victims have been referred to the Oregon Department of Justice Bias Response Program, which helps targeted individuals with supportive services.

Call the West Linn Police Department at 503.655.6214 if you have any information about the case.