Clayton hate crime investigation: Police release images of person of interest
CLAYTON, Mo. – Investigators with the Clayton Police Department are asking for the public’s help to identify a person of interest in connection with a series of car fires believed to be a hate crime.
According to Cp. Jenny Schwartz, a police spokeswoman, the fires happened just after 3 a.m. on Aug. 5 in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue, near North Hanley Road.
Two of the vehicles, a Mazda and a minivan, were parked along the street, while the third, a Toyota Highlander, was in the driveway of a home. The fires are believed to have been intentionally set.
On Sept. 15, Clayton police released surveillance footage and images showing a person of interest walking on Westmoreland around the time of the fires.
The person is wearing dark shoes with distinctive white or light-colored soles and wearing a light-colored fanny pack or crossbody-style bag across their chest.
Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to contact the Clayton Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 314-290-8414. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS. Only tips submitted to CrimeStoppers that lead to an arrest are eligible for the reward.
