Police are investigating four incidents involving racist graffiti at locations in Melcher-Dallas on Wednesday.

The Melcher-Dallas Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the cases; the painted messages mention the KKK and use racial slurs. Melcher-Dallas Police Chief Steve Johns tells KNIA/KRLS News the racial slurs could be construed as a hate crime.

One or more juvenile suspects are believed to be involved; investigators say they have physical evidence which could help them identify the suspects, as well as security video.

Chief Johns and a relative of the homeowner say the graffiti on the home was apparently aimed at a juvenile African-American relative who lives there.  

Johns says such incidents are unusual for the community, and not indicative of what the town is like.