Salt Lake City police are investigating the break-in and vandalism of a nail salon near downtown as a hate crime after an anti-Asian phrase was left spray-painted inside.
A witness reported the early Thursday burglary at WaterCreek Nails and Spa, located at 315 W. 600 South, at about 2:47 a.m., police said. A person broke the front glass door, entered the salon and “caused significant damage” to the business, leaving the “hate-fueled” phrase scrawled on the salon’s back wall in black paint.
The owners’ daughter, Sabrina Nguyen, posted on Instagram that the perpetrator did “extensive” damage to the property, including “ripping out the sinks from the walls, breaking all the equipment, smashing all the products, and spray painting, ‘[expletive] China.’”
In total, the vandal caused about $15,000 in damage, police said.
The owners of WaterCreek immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam, according to Nguyen. Her parents built the salon “from the ground up.”
“We have a great team that are fixing things very quickly. We will be up and running again in no time,” she wrote, later adding, “My family and I are so appreciative for the love, kindness, and support this community has shown us.”
Police did not have a specific description or photos to release of the vandal, or the two men the witness said he left with. Investigators have also not identified a potential motive against the specific salon, beyond investigating the case as a hate crime.
“The Salt Lake City Police Department recognizes our responsibility to investigate hate crimes thoroughly and impartially to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for survivors,” police said in a news release.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Salt Lake City police at 801-799-3000 and reference case No. 23-274253.
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