Juveniles accused of racist graffiti at Belmont comic store

BELMONT, N.C. — A beloved comic book store in Belmont was vandalized with racist graffiti, and police say kids are responsible.

The owner of Doc’s Basement Comics, Toys and Games posted on Facebook Monday about the incident, saying they found a slur painted on the side of the building. Officers said the juveniles used a paint bucket and a broom to write it out.

The owner said it happened hours after he gave the kids free comic books.

“It’s harder to understand that someone will treat you so kindly and you still do something like this,” said Hank Harrawood, who works next door.

The owner also posted pictures of the cleanup efforts at the building on E. Catawba Street. Volunteers jumped into action to remove the slur.

“One, there’s no place for it. Two, there’s enough going on in this world right now that we don’t need this kind of distraction going on,” said Nick Hohn, owner of Glossy Mobile Detail.

Hohn said he had to do something after he came across the Facebook post.

“Drove down here and we looked at what it was,” he said, adding, “We started working on it, and let some chemicals sit on overnight.”

According to Belmont police, three juveniles are accused of spraying the graffiti. The owner of the shop posted that they’re grateful police found the suspects, but said, “Parents, I need you to do better.”

The juveniles haven’t been identified due to their age.

As for the brick wall, all that’s left is faded writing, thanks to Hohn.

“I did some pressure washing to see if we can get lightened up in that start too, and we’re close to getting it all,” he said.

Hohn said he wants the kids in the area to be productive and not destructive.

“I think we can come together, and we can find something for them to do,” he said.

He also said he knows this incident won’t stop Doc from sharing his light with the community.

“I know that that won’t make him stop being generous and being kind and being who he is.”

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Davidson College condemns racist, antisemitic graffiti found on campus

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