From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 10-24-2014, at approximately 7:00 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by two passing motorists who reported witnessing a vandalism in progress at the New Hope Church of God, 2202 Sutter Road, McKinleyville. Both motorists described the suspect as a white male wearing all black, riding a bicycle. When deputies arrived on scene they saw red spray painted graffiti covering several exterior walls and the windows of the church building, along with several areas of the building that had been written on with blue ink. The graffiti stated, “Zero down”, “Zero” and “Down on walls”. Sheriff Deputies and California Highway Patrol (C.H.P.) Officers checked the area, but they were unable to locate the suspect.

Deputies also discovered the Abundant Life Center at 1947 Sutter Road, which is directly across the street from the New Hope Church had been vandalized also. The graffiti was the same and in red paint.

The estimated damage to both churches is estimated to be well over $1000.00.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.