PITTSBURGH — Police are investigating racial slurs that were written on the front door and windows of a barbershop in downtown Pittsburgh.
The messages were found by an employee of VIP Styles barbershop, located on Smithfield Street, just before 8 a.m. Monday morning.
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Employees and customers were frustrated by the messages posted.
“I’m upset, a little frustrated that people would do this to a place of business, but not surprised… Because there are people out there that feel the way they feel and be cowards and write stuff down,” said Victor Musgrove, owner of VIP Styles.
Musgroves also said he does not plan to let the messages prevent him from running business as usual.
Russel Boston, a customer at the barbershop, said he does not think the messages are a big deal, so long as they do not continue to pop up around the city.
“The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police takes all acts, including threatened acts, of hatred and violence, very seriously,” said Pittsburgh Police chief Cameron McLay.
Police have identified the suspect as Robert Hapchuck, 60, of Export, Pa.
Hapchuck was arrested on charges of ethnic intimidation and criminal mischief.
He was identified as the result on an anonymous tip.