Petaluma Suspect Charged With 'Hate Crime' In Former Harlem Globetrotter Car Vandalism
PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma police arrested a man suspected of covering the vehicle of a Harlem Globetrotter and local youth basketball coach in Petaluma with racial slurs and hate symbols.
Police arrested a 20-year-old Petaluma resident, Corey Newman, on Thursday, according to a statement released today.
Police said they identified Newman as a suspect in an incident involving William "Bull" Bullard, who posted
"A lot of y'all don't understand that racism is not a game. … I've been a victim of it my whole life — 41-year-old black man living in Sonoma County," he said following the vandalism in a video posted to his Instagram.
Police said they arrested Newman during a traffic stop after reviewing more than a week of video evidence.
He was taken to the Sonoma County jail on charges of vandalism for defacing property and commission of a hate crime.
The Petaluma Police Department said the agency "takes all hate-related incidents seriously and remains fully committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations. Crimes motivated by bias have a profound impact not only on those directly affected, but also on the sense of safety and well-being of the entire community."
Police thanked Bullard and community for their patience and cooperation during the investigation.
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Former Harlem Globetrotter Targeted With Racist Vandalism In Petaluma
