PORT ANGELES — The back wall of Stevens Middle School’s gym was defaced Saturday night or early Sunday, police said.

Vandals marked the school at 1139 W. 14th St. with bizarre, poorly spelled vandalism.

Painted hearts, a happy face and a spray-painted swastika were accompanied by messages such as “Hitler 4 Principol.”

Port Angeles police, including officer Bruce Fernie, investigated Sunday afternoon and found an orange paint cap that was apparently left behind.

Investigating officers said they believe the vandalism was created by middle-school-age students — or younger — based on the poor spelling and juvenile artwork.

The lack of additional vandalism in other parts of the school was unusual, police said.

The vandals apparently ran out of paint before finishing their handiwork, they said.

Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.