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NILES — A 63-year-old Niles man has been arrested in connection with a racially motivated graffiti incident at In The Cut Barbershop in Niles August 14.

Timothy McDermott, of Niles, was arrested following an extensive investigation by the Niles Police Department.

The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized charges against McDermott, including felony hate crime and misdemeanor malicious destruction of property over $200 but less than $1,000. McDermott was arraigned on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Fifth District Court in Niles.

Upon arriving at work on Aug. 14, Eric Williams, owner of In The Cut Barbershop, 507 Sycamore St., found racist graffiti on the side wall of his shop.

The vandalism, which included a racial slur, was perpetrated by an individual using the tag “Ace.” Vandalism with the same tag was recently found on a post in front of 7 Days Party Place, of which In The Cut shares a building with.

Leader Publications will be updated as more information becomes available.