GARY — Calling it a "disgrace," Mayor Eddie Melton said police are investigating acts of vandalism that occurred this week at city hall and to a statue honoring the memory of former Mayor Richard G. Hatcher.
"It's a disgrace that anyone would come to disrespect City Hall, a place where we conduct business and serve the people of Gary, every day," Melton said. "It’s even more shameful that the vandals dishonored Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, a national historical figure who fought for the people of Gary and the marginalized and oppressed around the world."
Identification of the officers involved in this incident will be made at a later date.
The downtown building and statue were defaced Wednesday night with spray paint, the mayor said.
"The Gary Police Department is currently investigating this situation and our team is working diligently to clean up our property as well as the statue," Melton said.
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"As mayor, I’ve been fighting every day to bring new investments and opportunities for Gary to tell its true story," he said. "I will not allow this dark moment to stop our momentum or distract us from the greatness that we are reigniting in our city."
The driver faces a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Melton said he supports First Amendment rights to free speech, but opposes any form of protest that rises to destruction of property.
"This act does not reflect the character of the majority of the citizens in our community, who work hard every day to make this a Greater Gary," he said.