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Police Study Surveillance Tape of Tar Bench Incident

Bill Waller
/
Facebook

Bloomington Police are searching for a suspect seen on surveillance videos spreading tar on a public bench. Officials believe the incident was a prank meant to discourage homeless people from congregating downtown.  

Officer Sara Mayer says police so far have been unable to identify the suspect who was wearing sweat pants and a hooded sweatshirt.

"Footage did capture an unidentified subject carrying a bucket and placing a substance on the bench. The subject's gender, race or personal descriptors is unknown," Mayer said.

Police said they so far have been unable to locate any witnesses.

"If anyone has information, even if they think it is not important, we ask please that they contact the Bloomington Police Department at the 820-8888 number," Mayer said.

Images pulled from public security and business surveillance cameras show the incident took place at about 6:10 am. on Saturday April 30th.

"We don't have a motive or why someone did this, what their intent was," Mayer said.

Mayer said the suspect could face a charge of criminal damage to property.