Douglas County Sheriff's Office investigating apparent hate crime

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers need the public’s assistance in identifying an individual that can be seen on camera spray painting derogatory language on the Douglas County Fairgrounds property. 

The sheriff’s office is actively investigating an incident that took place late on the night of Aug. 25, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. 

Around 7 a.m. on Aug. 26, just before the PrideFest event began, a Douglas County patrol deputy saw the graffiti, which involved the spray painting of derogatory language, including the word “groomers,” on county fairground property and vehicles. 

The sheriff’s office provided the public with photos of the person of interest in the case. The individual can be seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, tan pants and a facemask. 

Investigators at the sheriff’s office are treating the incident as a bias-motivated crime. 

“We stand united against all forms of hate speech and bias-motivated actions in Douglas County,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly in a news release from the department. “We want to reassure the public that we will not tolerate such behavior, and our detectives are working diligently to identify the person behind the reprehensible act.”

The sheriff’s office encourages anyone from the public that has information about this person’s identity to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. 

Those coming forward with information pertaining to the case can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Photos and information can also be found on the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook and Twitter.