REDMOND, Wash. -- Redmond police are searching for a man suspected of harassment after he reportedly left behind a bag containing a Ku Klux Klan robe Wednesday at a consignment store owned by a black woman.
"My mother didn't know what it was right away," said Shane Coakley, who was with his mom, Leona, when they both opened the bag. "I was angry. I've never seen my mom cry so much."
The man visited a consignment shop owned by Leona Coakley-Spring Wednesday evening. He is described as a white male in his mid 20s with brown hair. He's around 5-feet-10 with a stocky, athletic build.
Coakley-Spring told police the man sold clothes to her in what she called a "nice and normal interaction," but then started acting suspicious before leaving a bag behind.
Police say the bag that contained the robe, a loose rope and other items inside.
Coakley-Spring told police she thought it was a priest robe at first, but noticed a hood with two eyes cut out. Police say the garment also has two patches that resemble symbols associated with the KKK.
On Friday, after the community started hearing about what happened, dozens of people brought flowers, gift cards and words of support.
"Enjoy the love," said one woman. "The community loves you."
"Tell your mom to hang in there," said another customer, who bought a $130 jacket.
The store owner believes the robe was a threat to her, according to Redmond police.
Investigators are working with experts on the case. Anyone with information about the man's identity should contact Detective D'Amico at (425) 556-2669 or nldamico@redmond.gov.
