Sikh-owned gas station vandalized in Kentucky

SOUTH PORTSMOUTH, KY — An Indian American-owned gas station in South Portsmouth, Kentucky, was defaced early morning on Febraury 1 by a vandal who spray-painted swastikas, “white power,” and racist language on its exterior.

The vandal, who is still at large, also spray-painted the word “leave” and “f**k you” on the store, called the Pit Stop.

The Kentucky State Police are investigating the case as criminal mischief, and plan on working with county prosecutors to discuss a possible a hate crime charge.

Gurpreet ‘Gary’ Singh Bath, who owns Pit Stop, said he was baffled as to why anyone would target his gas station and convenience store. “I’m the first Punjabi guy in this neighborhood. But this has never happened before.”

Singh has owned Pit Stop and another convenience store nearby since 2013, when he immigrated to the area from Toronto, Canada. He said he has never experienced racism in the five years he has lived and worked in the state.