http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=5196458


Authorities investigating possible hate crime in Albertville, Alabama

July 25, 2006 09:27 PM

Authorities are looking for the person or persons responsible for vandalizing several businesses in Albertville early Tuesday morning.

Police say six Hispanic businesses along Baltimore Avenue were sprinkled with bullet holes, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of busted windows and glass doors.

"Enemies? I don't know enemies. I don't know what happened," said business owner Enrique Chevez.

Even though all the businesses hit were Hispanic, the Albertville Police Department isn't ready to call this a racially motivated crime.

"At this time we're just hoping it's a coincidence," said Albertville Police Sgt. Jamie Smith.

They say the investigation is in its early stages.

However, they say if evidence suggests this was a hate crime, the punishment would be severe.

"If it does turn out to be some type of racially motivated crime, then federal government will be involved then," said Sgt. Smith.

Police say they have no witnesses.

They also say nothing was taken from the businesses.

If you have any information about this crime, you're asked to call Albertville Police at 256-878-1212.