EPD statement on racially offensive image that is circulating on social media pages
At 6:40 on Sunday evening, a community member contacted the Evansville Police Department about a racially offensive image that was being circulated on social media.
The image shows three white juveniles holding a black baby doll with a string around its neck as though they are hanging the doll. One of the juveniles has a shirt on his head that is shaped in the manner of a hood commonly worn by members of the KKK. The post identified the juveniles as EVSC students.
Due to the disgusting nature of the picture, the EVSC was immediately contacted in an effort to identify the juveniles. The EVSC was able to provide the names within 30 minutes of being notified.
Based on information provided by the EVSC, it was determined that the picture was taken at a weekend gathering at a private residence in Vanderburgh County. The information has been given to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office for review.
The Evansville Police Department is no longer part of that review process.
Because the students identified in the image attend a school within the city limits, the school resource officer was notified last night and has been present in the school this morning. We have also remained in contact with the EVSC to ensure we provide any additional resources as needed.
Address/Location
Evansville Police Department
15 Northwest Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard
Evansville, IN 47708
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1