Gig Harbor police say Trump bumper sticker triggered vandalism
GIG HARBOR, Wash. -- Nathan Eliot says it happened in a Gig Harbor shopping mall parking lot. He says he couldn't believe his eyes, as a man dumped yogurt through his sun roof.
“When I saw him, he was dumping the yogurt into the sun roof. That's when I yelled and he looked back and hopped in his car really quickly,” says Eliot.
Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelly Busey says the suspect, Riley Siva, 21, allegedly told officers he dumped the yogurt through Eliot's sunroof and slashed his tire because he didn't like the Donald Trump bumper sticker on the back of Eliot's car.
“He was charged with malicious mischief and reckless driving,” says Busey.
According to a Gig Harbor Police report, officers say Siva gave a written statement saying in part, “… I do not expect the law to recognize damage to tools of hate or racism. Such things need to be destroyed so good people may remain and become free."
Busey says Siva made his first court appearance Wednesday and he pleaded not guilty.
“I think it’s a complete irrational over-reaction to somebody’s political views,” says Busey.
While the next court date is set for sometime in May, Eliot says he's dealing with over $5,000 in damages and he's removed the Trump bumper sticker from his car.
“Political discourse doesn't need to be violent or involve people's personal property,” says Eliot.
Eliot says that regardless of the incident, he’s still a Trump supporter.
A relative of Siva told us Wednesday night he would not be making any comment on the situation.