Roseville police ask for public’s help with bias-motivated crimes

The Roseville Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspects responsible for several bias-motivated crimes.

According to police, the incidents have taken place over the past month near the 1900 block of County Road B. Each reported incident involved criminal activity targeting signs displaying social justice slogans such as "Black lives matter."

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a male and female responsible for a theft of signs on June 19 at 5:05 p.m. The vehicle involved was a black Dodge pickup truck that appeared to have an exercise machine in its bed.

In addition to the reports of damaged and stolen signs, there have been four separate reports of dead raccoons placed nearby. The most recent report from the morning of July 12, involved a dead raccoon nailed to a utility post near the signs on County Road B.

In a June 25 incident, the Roseville Police Department identified a suspect who admitted he damaged the sign because he found it offensive. The 55-year-old Roseville man is facing misdemeanor criminal damage to property charges. Detectives are continuing to investigate if he was involved in any of the other cases and whether the crimes are connected.

The city released the following statement in response to the incidents:

"The City of Roseville unequivocally condemns the recent defacing and removal of Black Lives Matter signs and the abhorrent and highly offensive use of dead raccoons to intimidate and terrorize persons of color in our community.

"These racist acts and threats of violence will not be tolerated nor allowed to continue without consequences.

"The City of Roseville is committed to seeking justice in these matters. We recognize that these incidents cause deep pain and trauma for persons of color in our community and we stand alongside our community members in speaking out against racism."

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the department at 651-792-7008. Online tips may be submitted.