RPD finds suspect in racist incident on bridge in April – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester police have identified four suspects in connection with a racial slur left on a bridge in April.

According to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), three 16-year-old boys and one 17-year-old boy are currently under investigation for a racial slur heard on East Circle Drive near Century High School. A racial slur was written in red cups stuck into the fence of the bridge over the highway.

The RPD has not yet released the names of the suspects because they are all minors. The case will now be forwarded to the Olmstead County District Attorney’s Office for review and determination of possible charges.

According to Wale Elegbede, president of the Rochester NAACP, community accountability will help with healing.

“We want to see what charges are brought because we want the perpetrators to be held accountable,” Elegbede said. “This is not the end. This is really part of this journey and ultimately we need to make sure that we learn from this as a community and heal, but healing without accountability is not enough.”

Following this morning’s announcement, Rochester Public Schools (RPS) released a statement.

“While the findings are unfortunate, we are grateful that the investigation is complete,” RPS said. “We are committed and determined to continue the work we began in our schools to address the root causes of prejudice, bias and discrimination – and to create an environment where all people feel valued and included.”

Police have not commented on what the racist comment was, but a photo of it circulated in Rochester Public Schools. The incident was reported by a passerby on April 14, and the comment was immediately removed.