SDPD investigates hate crime in Hillcrest after swastika, anti-LGBTQ+ slur spray-painted
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur was spray-painted on a trashcan and a wall in Hillcrest, prompting a hate crime investigation, authorities said.
The vandalism, located in the area of Fifth and Robinson Avenue, was reported by a local business owner Friday morning, explained the San Diego Police Department.
After being informed about the incident by the department’s LGBTQ+ Liaisons, Western Division investigators were immediately sent to the scene to begin their investigation. Authorities searched for evidence and collected any available video surveillance in the area.
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Police said private surveillance footage captured between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday morning showed three unknown suspects, who were all wearing hooded sweatshirts, committing the vandalism.
Surveillance footage also captured the suspected vehicle.
“It appears they possibly left the area in a vehicle similar to an early 2000s grey Buick Century, which was missing the right front hubcap,” the department stated.
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Police said there will be an increased presence of officers in the area for the time being to prevent additional crimes, as well as give the community “a sense of security.”
“SDPD is committed to ensuring a safe space for all members of our community and acts of hate such as this will not be tolerated. SDPD will be using all available resources to identify these suspects and bring them to justice,” the department continued.
An investigation into this hate crime-related vandalism incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the suspects is asked to call Western Division detectives at (619) 692-4800 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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