Royal Oak racist graffiti painter will not face charges due to mental illness
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WJBK) - The person responsible for the racist graffiti on Royal Oak homes will not be charged due to serious mental health issues, police said Tuesday.
Hateful graffiti was discovered Sunday on cars, fences, garages and trees in what neighbors call a normally quiet Royal Oak neighborhood. A total of seven police reports were filed by residents who say they found spray painted phrases like "white power" and swastikas.
Investigators discovered the suspected individual suffers from mental health issues and the Royal Oak Police Department arranged to have them evaluated by professionals. They say they are working with state agencies to help the person receive long-term help and they will not face charges.
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"This crime appears to be a cry for help from a very troubled individual," police say.
They say the individual's motivation was not the same message that might seem obvious by his or her actions.