Burning Cross Bias Crime Beltrami County

On May 25, 2012 at approximately 12:40 AM, Beltrami County Sheriff's
Office was notified of a citizen's call regarding a burning cross in
the reporting party's yard in Northern Township.  Officers responded
to the scene and interviewed the victim who was home alone at the time
and spotted a single individual fleeing on foot from the area of the
burning cross.  The citizen had doused the flames prior to deputy's
arrival.  Deputies discovered a racist message and other racist
artifacts on the cross and began investigating the scene for further
clues.

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case as a
Bias Crime.  Sheriff Phil Hodapp asks anyone who may have information
regarding this crime is asked to call the Beltrami County Sheriff's
Office at 218-333-9111 or toll free 1-888-449-9111.