BAKERSFIELD, CA - A local family says their home in east Bakersfield was targeted because of their race.
Bakersfield police are investigating the case as a possible hate crime.
Police say after their investigation is complete, a graffiti task force will remove the tagging. But until then, the family says they are hurt and embarrassed.
A racial comment spray painted on the side of the home has the family and their neighbors, shocked.
"I feel angry and I feel hurt because why would you target our house? Why would you target any house and write this kind of stuff on it? That's not right," said Mercedes Palmer who lives in the home.
The family says they noticed the tagging Tuesday morning. Palmer says her family has lived in the neighborhood since 1949. She says within that time, her family has never been racially profiled.
"This is very, very hateful. I'm an African American lady and I don't want this on my house or on anyone else's house or building or whatever the case may be. So, it's just a shame," said Palmer.
76-year-old Joann Griffin, who is bedridden, says her family has always had good relationships with their neighbors and doesn't know why someone would target her home.
"I don't care what color they are, if you get out and work for something, that's yours. You try to take care of it the best you can and you don't want nobody destroying it," said Griffin.
Bakersfield police said Wednesday morning an investigator is being assigned to the case, that's possibly a hate crime.
However, a spokeswoman with the department said Wednesday evening, there is no indication it is a hate crime.
Neighbors in the area say their street is normally quiet and safe, but the racial comment has them concerned.
"We have children here all the time running around and it's a concern and it hurts me. It really saddened me that I seen that here where we live," said Rosalinda Cadna.
Palmer says the tagging is humiliating.
"When we come home or come outside or our family members or friends come over, the first thing that they see when they come to our house is this slander and it bothers me a lot."
Bakersfield police say if the person responsible is caught and convicted, they could spend a year in prison and be fined $5,000.