Leonard Manevich is fully aware his 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager isn't much to look at, but it runs and holds many years of memories.
"I've had it for about 20 years," he says. "My kids grew up riding in it."
But the latest story the van has to tell is an ugly one. Last Friday, it was stolen from Manevich's Everett apartment complex. Police discovered it, still running, in a Wells Fargo parking lot.
"I couldn't believe my eyes at first, that someone would be interested in such an old car," says Manevich.
The thieves spray painted the van inside and out -- even the tires -- but it's what was scrawled across the hood that took things to a different level.
The word "Russia" written in big, green letters.
"If it's a hate crime, I don't know," says Manevich. "I'm just frustrated. I'm in shock."
Manevich came to Everett from Russia 26 years ago along with his mother. He has raised three children while working as an interpreter.
He's never had any issues, until now.
Manevich says the climate in America does appear to be turning against immigrants, especially given the political problems between the U.S. and his native Russia.
"Sometimes, when we go to the store and stand in the checkout line and I speak with my mom or with my kids in Russian, people turn their heads. Maybe they feel frightened, I don't know."
Everett police are investigating the case.
In the meantime, the old van is headed to the junkyard. The last memory it holds is one Manevich's family would rather forget.
"Now, we don't even want to look at it."
