For Blu Hair Salon owner Michelle Cobb her dream of operating her newly-renovated salon soured after vandals spray painted racists messages and splashed paint on the outside of the doors and windows Tuesday morning.
“I couldn't believe it happened. I am outraged,” said Cobb.
Around 3 a.m. a police officer on patrol discovered the damage. Vandals used spray paint and markers to post swastikas and splashed lime green and blue paint along the doors and windows.
Investigators have classified the incident as a hate crime.
“There is not doubt they were definitely targeted,” said Lt. Charles Ashfield.
No damage was done to the inside of the salon. Owners said a security system was installed when Cobb started leasing the space in August.
Wistar Equipment has owned the building for six years. The building was vacant until workers did $500,000 in renovations, making it one of the most prominent businesses in the Penn Grove area, according to Scott Wistar.
“I am disappointed and sad that somebody harbors that anger. I am scratching my head that someone would do this to a business that could bring this town prosperity,” said Wistar.
Wistar said during construction someone busted a few windows out of the building but there have not been any major problems until now. He fears it could be the work of some young people in the neighborhood.
“I don’t know. It may be kids from next door behind the parking lot. There are a lot of kids running around there,” said Wistar.
As for Cobb, she said she isn’t going anywhere and is offering a cash reward for the person who turns the vandals in.
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