Md. Man Convicted Of Slashing Tires In Bias Crime

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) -- A Silver Spring man has been convicted of slashing the tires of a car belonging to a Hispanic man in an apparent bias crime.

Steven Armstrong was found guilty Thursday of malicious destruction of property and committing a crime based on race or ethnicity. He is to be sentenced on Sept. 30.

Prosecutors say Armstrong, 53, admitted last year vandalizing the car of a Hispanic man as well as other vehicles in the neighborhood. Prosecutors say when the victim asked what Armstrong was doing, he replied that he hated Hispanics.

Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy says all crime victims should be encouraged to contact the police and racially motivated crimes won't be tolerated.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)