Alicia Stice

astice@coloradoan.com

Fort Collins police are investigating another possible bias-motivated crime after the Masonic Temple in Fort Collins was vandalized earlier this week.

The vandal, or vandals, painted black, upside-down crosses and the words “great tribulation is at hand” at the 225 Oak St. building between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Police are looking at the incident as bias-motivated due to the location and nature of the graffiti.

“Defacing religious or cultural gathering places is a particularly appalling act,” FCPS Police Chief John Hutto said in a written statement. “We need those with information to step up so the perpetrator can face consequences.”

The Masonic Temple was built in 1927 and was originally home to the Freemasons, a fraternal organization focused on charity work. The building is currently the temporary home of independent movie theater Lyric Cinema Cafe, which will be there until its new permanent home on North College is completed. It also hosts other community activities.

Per statute, a bias-motivated crime, more commonly referred to as a hate crime, occurs when people knowingly cause bodily injury, use words or conduct, or destroy property with the intent to intimidate someone because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

More: Islamic Center vandalism suspect skips court, warrant issued

Since the beginning of 2011, Fort Collins police have tallied 19 bias-motivated crime charges.

This vandalism comes a week after the Islamic Center of Fort Collins was vandalized. In that incident, windows were shattered and a Bible was thrown into the prayer room. Joseph Giaquinto, 35, was arrested in connection with the Islamic Center vandalism. A warrant was issued for his arrest Tuesday after he failed to show up for his first court appearance after being out on bond.

More: Mom pleads guilty to lying about cause of infant's death

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Officer Ben Athearn at 970-221-6555 or bathearn@fcgov.com, or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.