INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Black Expo announced on Saturday the organization is awaiting the results of a police investigation after an image of a cross appeared to be burned into the grass in front of the organization's east side headquarters.
On Friday, Indiana Black Expo staff members noticed what looked to be a chemical burn in the shape of a cross on the grass, according to a statement from the organization.
The incident was reported to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and Indiana Black Expo is waiting for the results of an investigation to determine the cause.
"The area appears to have been recently burned," the statement said. "IMPD has been contacted and we will await an investigation as to the cause of the burn in this area. We do want to thank everyone in the community who has come forward to offer support."
Indiana Black Expo purchased the 43,000 square foot facility in the 600 block of North Shortridge Road in March 2019. The building previously housed the Crossroads Bible College, which until 2017 had a concrete cross embedded in the area that appeared to be burned, the statement said.
After the concrete cross was removed, the area where it had been was filled with top soil and seed, according to Indiana Black Expo.
IMPD Sgt. Grace Sibley said that officers are aware a cross was previously on the property and a police report was completed on Saturday.
"We were made aware of the incident yesterday and initiated an investigation. We were unable to make contact with someone from the organization yesterday and were called back today while a representative was available to speak with an officer," Sibley said. "Officers are aware there may have been a cross here while under previous ownership, however to err on the side of caution, a report was completed. Investigators will be reviewing any available area video and extra patrols have been ordered to the area."
Read the full statement from Indiana Black Expo below:
Yesterday, our staff noticed what appeared to be a chemical burn on the grass in front of our building in the shape of a cross. It was reported to IMPD and we are awaiting the results of an official investigation.
Our building is the former home of The Crossroads Bible College, and at one point, they did have a concrete cross embedded in this area. It was removed in 2017 and the area where the cross had been was filled with top soil and seed.
The area appears to have been recently burned. IMPD has been contacted and we will await an investigation as to the cause of the burn in this area. We do want to thank everyone in the community who has come forward to offer support.
PREVIOUS | Indiana Black Expo announces move to new headquarters on east side
