SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A tragic and disturbing act of vandalism has shaken the Spokane Valley community as a 52-year-old man has been arrested for defacing public property with swastikas and other hateful symbols.
Douglas R. Frome was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of felony second-degree malicious mischief, following a shocking incident that occurred at the newly renovated Balfour Park. According to the Spokane Valley Police Department, Frome is accused of vandalizing the park’s bathrooms and nearby signs with swastikas and what appeared to be the Star of David.
The damage, which was discovered by a city employee last Friday, is estimated to cost $800 for repairs and repainting. The vandalism was caught on security footage from cameras installed as part of the city’s park expansion. The footage clearly identified Frome as the suspect.
On Tuesday, police located Frome near Sprague Avenue and Skipworth Road. When questioned, he allegedly admitted to using a dry-erase marker to draw the offensive symbols at both Balfour Park and the Spokane Valley Public Library. Shockingly, Frome reportedly justified his actions during his police interview, claiming the graffiti was an expression of his “freedom of speech” in an expletive-filled rant.
The arrest has sparked outrage in the community, with many condemning the hateful messages defacing public spaces meant for all. Frome remains in custody and is scheduled for arraignment on March 19.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting public spaces from hate-driven actions. Authorities are urging the public to report any similar acts of vandalism and help maintain a safe and respectful community for all.
