At approximately 6:00 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, a dog walker observed several damaged signs on the property of the Hope Presbyterian Church, located at 1771 S. Wiesbrook Road. One of the signs was burned and was still smoldering when the dog walker called Wheaton Police. The damaged signs all displayed messages related to current social justice issues, and the burned sign was a wooden sign with the church’s name on it.
The church had previously experienced the theft of a "Black Lives Matter" sign, which was reported on Aug. 26, 2020. The Wheaton Police Department is actively investigating both incidents.
"The Wheaton Police Department is investigating these incidents, and we will do our utmost to uncover the motives of the offenders," said Deputy Police Chief P.J. Youker. "Damage to the property of a religious institution is a serious felony crime and will not be tolerated. Anyone participating in these crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Bill Cooley of the Wheaton Police Department at 630-260-2077.