Suspect accused of vandalizing Lexington LGBTQ-owned businesses arrested

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Police have arrested a man accused of vandalizing two LGBTQ-owned businesses in Lexington.

According to the Lexington Police Department, 51-year-old William White was arrested and charged with criminal mischief 1st degree and 2nd degree as well as charges for an outstanding warrant. White is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center. Police say that due to the nature of the vandalism, a hate/bias report was taken.

Mayor Linda Gorton tweeted that the businesses were vandalized with “threatening” and “hateful” graffiti.

The businesses targeted are The Bar Complex and Crossings.

The Bar Complex posted photos of the vandalism on its Facebook page.

In the post, they said they will not let the incident discourage their holidays and wished a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Crossings Lexington plans to host a Christmas Day dinner at the bar on Sunday evening.

Owner Rebecca Richter told WKYT, “I’m not angry because I’m glad that it wasn’t worse and we’re already fine, but it does suck.”

Richter has owned the bar since 2019 and says it’s become a place for people to hangout and be comfortable enough to be themselves.

“I’m proud and thankful to be able to have the opportunity to try and have a space where people can find a little bit of joy and a little less loneliness,” Richter said.

This is a developing story.

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