STOCKTON, Calif. — Sunday morning vandalism at downtown Stockton's nearly 80-year-old Cathedral of the Annunciation does not appear to be a hate crime, police said Wednesday.
Early Sunday, church officials and officers with the Stockton Police Department discovered white paint smeared across the Catholic church's front doors, message boards and front steps.
Police officials said the vandalism likely happened around 5:45 a.m. Sunday.
The discovery came less than two hours before Sunday masses, but didn't impact the services. Worshipers used alternate entrances as cleanup and investigation work was underway.
At the time, police said they were investigating whether the vandalism was a hate crime.
Officials with the Stockton Police Department told ABC10 Wednesday that while the investigation is still ongoing and the exact motive hasn't been determined, the vandalism does not appear to be a hate crime.
A maintenance worker and a parishioner volunteered to pressure wash some of the paint away, the church said. Church officials added they are researching the best way to remove paint from the wooden doors without causing more damage.
The church asked community members to pray for the vandal in a Facebook post.
"Thank you for your continued prayers! Let us also pray for a change of heart for those who committed this unfortunate act," the Facebook post said.
The church, founded in 1942, serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton.
"I am deeply saddened by the early morning vandalism at our beloved Cathedral. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated parish staff and parishioners for their swift assistance in managing the situation," said Diocese of Stockton Bishop Myron Cotta in a statement. "A special thanks goes to the Stockton Police Department for their prompt response and support."
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