Racist graffiti forces Ogle County auto detailing shop to close

KINGS, Ill. (WTVO) — An Ogle County business owner says he is closing his auto detailing shop after racist graffiti was spray painted on the building over the weekend.

On Sunday morning, Clearly Customs, at 206 Linn Street, reported that it was closing after finding the message on the front garage doors.

“To everyone who has reached out today, thank you all for your tremendous support. Unfortunately the incident that has occured at our shop isn’t the first threat since opening our doors. We are saddened, upset, and unfortunately fearful as the intention of this business venture was for our 16 year old son to continue his entrepreneurial goals,” the business owner wrote.

“With heavy hearts we will be closing this location as this was a hobby business venture that we are unwilling to expose ourselves to the radical racism that is consuming our national and unfortunately the community I have grown to love over the last 20 years,” he continued.

“This isn’t the end as we are still successful small business owners. We will rebuild in an environment better suited for who we are,” he said.

Clearly Customs offers auto detailing and motorcycle customization.

It opened in January of this year, in the location previously occupied by Fresh Auto Detailing.