FBI agents and sheriff's deputies in California and Nevada are investigating a growing string of vandalism at churches near Lake Tahoe as a suspected hate crime.
The FBI posted a description of a possible suspect in the federal "hate crime investigation" this week after the latest attacks were reported in mid-September at three California churches hit with spray painted graffiti— two in Kings Beach and one in Tahoe City.
Placer County Sheriff's Det. John Riella says it's a serious crime.
Washoe County Nevada deputies continue to investigate a half-dozen similar incidents since April at churches in Incline Village, including one where someone tried to cut down a wooden cross.
The FBI says the suspect is a thin, white, 18- to 25-year-old male who may have red, blue and yellow spray paint cans and several fire extinguishers.