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Suspect Caught On Camera Spray Painting N-Word On Car In Long Island Neighborhood Where Bi-Racial Couple Moved In

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Long Island police are investigating a possible hate crime after someone scrawled racist graffiti on a car in a neighborhood where a bi-racial couple just moved in.

CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported someone in a hoodie was caught on camera spray painting the N-word on an SUV sitting in a driveway in Hauppauge on Saturday night.

The car owner didn't want to be identified, but wants the public to see what hatches from hatred.

"That bothers me to the nth degree because it's just such a hateful thing," the man said.

He believes he was the unintended target of the threat. A bi-racial couple recently moved in across the street and he thinks the suspect meant to target them.

"They are the nicest people you ever wanted to imagine," the man said.

The couple – a stay-at-home mom and a retired firefighter – was too fearful to speak on camera after this apparent second racist incident in recent weeks.

A hate-filled letter was also left in the couple's mailbox. It was addressed to their elementary school-aged child, and filled with racial insults and threats.

"They got hate mail and it's like why do people have to do that?" the man said.

Neighbor Eric Koppelman said he has struggled to explain to his children about the racist incidents.

"No matter what color or race, you have a right to live anywhere you want, to love, and there are people out there who are going to hate," Koppelman said. "This is not the neighborhood for that."

Neighbors have complained about drugs, drinking and apparent gang tags at an Islip town park across the street and wonder if there's a connection.

"Your discrimination is not going to be tolerated. This is a family neighborhood," resident Beth Lamanna said. "If you can't handle an integrated community, maybe it's time you leave."

Suffolk Police said the Bias Squad is investigating as a possible hate crime. The letters "LNK" are no known gang tag, they said, but it's certainly a clue.

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