STAMFORD, CT – Statement to be attributed to Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski:

“The Mayor and the Police Department continue to take this incident very seriously, and it continues be an ongoing investigation. Immediately following the incident, the Stamford Police Department spoke with the homeowner and neighbors. Police have not been able to find a witness who saw or heard anyone spray painting the sheet-metal garage door. There are a few security cameras in the neighborhood but none captured the incident.

In light of Stamford being an incredibly diverse city, residents would be hard-pressed to recall another racially-motivated incident like this in the last 20-30 years in Stamford. Our police continue to take this seriously and are approaching the investigation from all levels of the police department.

After preserving evidence, multiple offers have been made by the Police Department to paint over the racial slur, at no cost to the homeowner. Mayor Martin and Police Chief Jon Fontneau have personally offered to paint over the racial slur if it will result in the removal of the blight on the neighborhood. However, the homeowner will not grant permission. This does not diminish the offense it has caused to the couple and the neighborhood.

We are fortunate that this type of incident just does not occur in Stamford. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming city to all who come here, no matter their race, religion or national origin. Last week the Police Chief spoke with the NAACP, and the Mayor’s office scheduled a meeting for the Mayor to meet with the NAACP on February 27^th. Mayor David Martin condemns the incident that occurred on January 14^th and believes that any incident like this, though incredibly rare, has no place in our diverse City.”