Racial epithet painted on M Street office

A racial epithet was spray- painted on a window of the Merced County Public Defender's Office this week, Merced police reported.

Employees at the building, located at 3150 M Street, found the graffiti on the window around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to Lt. Andre Matthews, Merced police spokesman.

The message was photographed by employees and removed shortly afterward, police said.

Although police interviewed at least one person in connection with the crime, Matthews said no one has been arrested.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to call Officer Jesse Padgett at (209) 385-6913 or the department's automated tip-line at (209) 385-4725. Calls are kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

-- Victor A. Patton