BOTHELL — Police say they’ve identified three suspects in an apparent case of malicious harassment involving graffiti at a Hindu temple and Skyview Junior High School in Bothell last month.
The suspects are three boys who attend Bothell High School, according to a news release issued Wednesday. One of the boys is 16, and the other two are 17.
The teens have not been arrested, said Shari Ireton, spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, which worked the case alongside Bothell police.
Two of the teens declined to speak with detectives. A third reportedly admitted to being involved.
Officials at the Northshore School District, which includes Skyview and Bothell High School, are awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation, spokeswoman Leanna Albrecht said Wednesday.
“Appropriate disciplinary action will be administered following any police or legal investigation,” she said.
A swastika was spray-painted with the words, “get out,” on the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in Bothell. Skyview was tagged with two red swastikas and the words, “Muslims get out,” and, “Muslims be gone.” Both incidents were reported Feb. 15.
Under state law, malicious harassment is a felony. It involves cases where victims were targeted based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or other factors.
The Bothell police officer assigned to Bothell High School developed the leads based on interviews with students, according to the release.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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