Employees of Painalgia Relief Center, located at 240 Mohawk Road in Clermont, discovered a rope tied in the fashion of a noose hanging from a tree in front of the building this morning. The employees of the business do not know of anyone who would be targeting the business for any reason, however, advised that it was not there when they closed down on Friday. The Clermont Police Department was notified of the incident this morning and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime. We will be working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to find those responsible.
Chief Broadway stated, “Words cannot express the City of Clermont’s disappointment and disgust over this apparent hate crime. The Choice of Champions stands for equality and inclusivity. We are deploying all possible resources to hold those involved in this apparent crime accountable.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lieutenant Aaron Grassi of the Criminal Investigations Division at 352-536-8409 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
