Oregon man accused of hate crime in swastika painting

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Fingerprints on a spray can point to a Klamath Falls man who has been accused of painting a 21-foot orange swastika and the words "No Jews" on a house under construction, investigators say.

Edward Zielinski, 24, is charged with intimidation, a hate crime, among other offenses, said Sheriff Tim Evinger.

"Based on the content of the writings it's appropriate this time to charge it as a hate crime," Evinger said.

The house in the Running Y Ranch Resort was vandalized April 30.

Evinger said a crime lab matched fingerprints on the can of paint found at the house.

Investigators said they don't know the motive for the crime. They say Zielinski didn't know the homeowner, Larry Bloomquist, who isn't Jewish.

Family members said Zielinski served 14 months in Iraq and suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome.

Zielinski also is charged with burglary and criminal mischief. He was booked Tuesday and held on $20,000 bail