Police investigate possible hate crimes in Potomac, Rockville
BB gun used to break 14 windows at synagogues, Jewish-owned businesses
This story was corrected on April 19, 2011. An explanation follows the story.
Montgomery County police are investigating four vandalisms in Rockville and Potomac they say may be hate crimes.
Fourteen windows were shattered with a BB gun early Monday, said police spokesman Officer Howard Hersh.
Police are investigating the shooting spree as a hate crime because targets included a synagogue and two Jewish-owned businesses on the first day of Passover, he said.
One window of both Robert Bernard Jewelers and Lacy Couture Apparel in the Potomac Woods Shopping Center in Rockville were shot with a BB gun around 1:19 a.m., Hersh said. Six windows at Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac were also discovered shot at 7:30 a.m.
Rockville City Police discovered six windows were shot out with a BB gun at Julius West Middle School in Rockville at 1:29 a.m. Monday.
Police have no suspect information, but released a surveillance photo of a gold two-door vehicle in the Fortune Terrace Shopping Center at the time the vandalism occurred.
Anyone with information on the vandalisms is asked to contact the county police department's 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084. Those who wish to remain anonymous and qualify for a reward may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
ccalamaio@gazette.net
Correction: This report was updated to note that Passover began Monday. It was also updated to correct the name of the shopping center provided by county police.

