Police: Lexus vandalized because of McCain sticker

CLEARWATER -- Police say someone scratched "KKK" into a Lexus, urinated on it, lit an American flag on fire and burned cigarettes into the car because it sported a bumper sticker supporting Sen. John McCain for president.

Police said the car also had a bumper sticker opposing Sen. Barack Obama. Police say it happened today at about 8:30 a.m at 1400 Gulf Boulevard. The 2006 Lexus LS 430 is owned by Frank Armstrong, 41, of 2136 Pinnacle Circle N in Clearwater.

Police estimated the damage at $4,500. They said no surveillance footage or witnesses have been found.

Investigators are calling it a hate crime.

--Stephanie Garry, Times staff writer