New Mexico police investigating vandalism of rainbow crosswalk as possible hate crime 

New Mexico police are investigating an incident in which motorcyclists reportedly vandalized a freshly painted rainbow crosswalk made to honor Pride Month.

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) is investigating the vandalism, which left tire marks from “burnouts” and ruined the $30,000 crosswalk, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

Video posted online shows dozens of bikers riding over the crosswalk in the middle of town, with one rider blowing out his tire and walking his bike to the curb.

{mosads}“The facts will determine the appropriate charges, including whether damages amount to misdemeanor or felony charges,” police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos told the newspaper. “City crews attempted to clean the crosswalks today. It is not yet clear whether some portions will need to be re-striped.”

Local news outlet KOB 4 reports that police are investigating whether the incident constitutes a hate crime.

“They definitely are specifically hitting a symbol of the community and I think that it’s very disappointing they chose to carry out these activities,” APD Deputy Chief Harold Medina told KOB 4.

The vandalism occurred just days before the city held its annual Pride parade on Saturday, which attracted m ore than 30,000 participates and spectators.

City road crews were able to rid the crosswalk of tire marks by power washing the surface and using a street sweeper.

The rainbow crosswalk was completed two weeks in advance of the parade and cost the city three times the amount of a traditional crosswalk, though the rainbow surface is supposed to have a longer life span.