Despite speculation to the contrary, "racial or ethnic bias” don’t appear to have been factors in the torching of a Stone Mountain playground this past Saturday, city police said.
Rumors surrounded the arson at the playground, known as Jim's Place at McCurdy Park, with at least one resident suggesting it was targeted because it is frequented by Muslim children, Officer Bob Hillis said. An Atlanta television station also published a report quoting locals wondering if it was a "hate crime."
Hillis said he’s waiting on all the facts, but at this point, the crime “appears to simply be a delinquent act by a few local juveniles.”
One of the suspects has been arrested so far; the others are sought.
The police department posted a note to Facebook attempting to halt the rumor mill.
Hillis explained to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “You are likely well aware of how quickly rumors and speculation cloud an investigation before any evidence is known."
Whatever took out the playground, the loss is a blow to the community. It was built by volunteers and cherished by many, according to Small Creek Alliance, a local anti-violence group leading the charge to rebuild.
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