ALBANY – City police are investigating an apparent wave of vandalism that damaged the windows of several businesses along South Pearl Street overnight Tuesday.
The MVP Arena (formerly known as the Times Union Center), Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Capital Region African American Cultural Center were all damaged, Albany police said.
“It is likely that someone damaged property overnight,” said Constable Steve Smith, spokesman for Albany Police. “We are still studying it.”
A potential motive remains unclear and authorities were still investigating the extent of the damage on Tuesday afternoon.
Police took a report from the African American Cultural Center for criminal mischief, Smith said.
The African-American Cultural Center for the Capital Region said in a Instagram post that the act of vandalism was the second window to be shattered in less than 30 days, joining other perceived threats to the cultural center – and driving up repair costs.
Travon T. Jackson, executive director, said the incident also followed the recent delivery of an anonymous card whipping the center for the display of the African American flag.
“For me, the timing is too practical and how much it overlaps with our goals,” Jackson said. “And [the damage] conveniently happens when people are away. “