Police: Lake Stevens political sign thief assaults witness
LAKE STEVENS — A Lake Stevens man has admitted to pulling up political signs of two candidates for state office who are African American, according to police.
Gary D. Smith, 66, is also accused of grabbing a man by the neck for confronting him about it, and then trying to tear off his ear.
Smith reportedly told officers he believed he was acting in self-defense. Lake Stevens police plan to recommend charges of fourth-degree assault, and are investigating additional offenses related to the removal of political signs, a misdemeanor where each stolen or defaced sign can be considered a separate crime under state law.
Earlier this week, Earl Gray, 63, placed about 30 roadside signs in support of John Lovick’s re-election campaign to the state House. Gray has worked on other local political campaigns in the recent past, and in 2019, he managed sign posting and maintenance for nonpartisan mayoral candidate Kurt Hilt. He said about 600 out of 800 signs for Hilt went missing during a tight race that they lost. Hilt signs were later found dumped in a ravine, post-election.
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https://www.heraldnet.com/news/police-lake-stevens-political-sign-thief-assaults-witness/
