Police fear vandalism could escalate

Spokane police said Friday that two acts of vandalism near the Planned Parenthood office on East Indiana Avenue may be escalating hate crimes.

In the first case, 11 days ago, the words “Baby Killers” were spray painted onto a van.

The large passenger van was one of two belonging to the Crayon College day care at 115 E. Indiana, which is in the same complex as Planned Parenthood.

On Friday morning, Crayon College reported that both vans had windshields and side windows broken out overnight. Officer Tim Moses estimated the damage at $2,000 or more, making the crime a felony.

The day care and several other businesses in the complex have no connection with Planned Parenthood but share a parking lot. Moses said the day care vans are unmarked, and the vandals apparently assumed they belonged to Planned Parenthood.

“We’re afraid this thing is escalating to a point where it might get worse,” Moses said.

He said police have no suspects but are increasing patrols in the area.