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Southbridge Police investigating violent anti-cop graffiti

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. - Police in Southbridge have launched an investigation after anti-police graffiti was found on a sign in town.

At the same time officers around the country are mourning the loss of fallen Weymouth Sergeant Chesna, a discouraging message inciting violence against police officers was spray-painted in bright red.

The community is alarmed after a town sign was found vandalized with the words "kill cops." The sign has since been removed as police investigate.

"It's terrible, it's terrible," said Debbie Wise, a Southbridge resident. "It kind of scares ya, and you wonder what the hell is going on in their minds."

A few police officers from Southbridge attended Sgt. Chesna's services, and while they say they know they have a dangerous job and even though this does not appear to be a threat, it's certainly disheartening.

The blatant anti-police graffiti was discovered by a Southbridge officer by the soccer fields at the West School. Investigators say they believe the crime happened on Thursday night.

The Massachusetts Police Association said in a statement:

"It is unfortunate that a very small segment of the population has a deep hatred for police and the safety they provide. Fortunately police are uplifted by the actions of citizens from the greater Weymouth area who turned out to support Sgt Chesna, his family and those that came to honor him."

"I think it was disrespectful," said Ishmael Santiago, a resident. "I don’t know how could’ve done it. It’s just a lack of respect."

This isn't the first time Southbridge Police have dealt with violence toward them.

Three years ago, a homeless man with multiple run-ins with police set a cruiser on fire.

Though the crimes are unrelated, the 2015 incident is the reason Southbridge Police today have an increased security around their lot.

"I just think it's punks trying to be funny, hopefully," said Wise. "It it's not, then, I don't know, it's scary."

Police attempted to collect fingerprints on the sign but weren't able to gather any. The investigation is ongoing.

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