News Summary
San Diego officials are seeking public assistance to identify a suspect linked to a disturbing series of hate crimes targeting religious sites in the city. Since December, graffiti vandalism has been reported at multiple churches and religious institutions, with over 14 cases associated with the same individual. Surveillance footage shows the suspect, a heavy-set white male in his late twenties, vandalizing properties during early morning hours. Community leaders are urging vigilance against such acts while a reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
San Diego Authorities Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Series of Hate Crimes Targeting Religious Sites
San Diego authorities are actively seeking public assistance to identify a suspect involved in a series of hate crimes targeting religious sites throughout the city since December 2024. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) reported that the crimes mainly consist of graffiti vandalism on churches and religious shrines across different denominations, which has raised significant concern within the community.
These hate crimes have mostly occurred in the neighborhoods of Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest, and North Park. The graffiti contains various slurs targeting specific religions, highlighting the troubling nature of the offenses. Authorities have linked at least 14 separate cases of vandalism to the same suspect, suggesting a persistent and alarming pattern.
Surveillance cameras have captured footage of the suspect at several properties, although police have not disclosed the specific locations of the videos. The suspect typically arrives on foot during the early morning hours, utilizes black spray paint for the vandalism, and then leaves the scene on foot. Notably, the same victims have been targeted multiple times across different incidents, intensifying the fear and insecurity in the affected communities.
The suspect is described as a heavy-set white man estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old. He was last observed wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark-framed eyeglasses, a dark face covering, dark pants, and black shoes with a white sole. In certain instances, the suspect has been seen wearing a sweatshirt with “BLTS SWATS” printed on the front, a detail that may assist in identifying him.
Victims of these hate crimes have reported several incidents, with graffiti containing anti-Semitic phrases and other offensive slogans found at various locations, such as the University Christian Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, Ohr Shalom Synagogue, and Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana. The targeted religious institutions are diverse, indicating a broader issue of intolerance and discrimination within the community.
Authorities suspect there may be connections between the suspect’s actions and recent national events, leading to increased speculation regarding his underlying motivations. Community leaders and law enforcement officials are concerned about the potential for further acts of vandalism and the need for prompt identification and apprehension of the suspect.
In response to these hate crimes, Crime Stoppers, in collaboration with the San Diego GLBTQ+ Historic Task Force, is offering a reward of $2,000 for information that leads to the suspect’s arrest. This initiative aims to encourage members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in their investigation.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the SDPD’s Criminal Intelligence Unit at 619-531-2331 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The cooperation of the public can play a crucial role in bringing the responsible individual to justice and restoring a sense of safety within the community.
The recent incidents emphasize the need for awareness and proactive measures against hate crimes of all forms. Authorities continue to stress the importance of community vigilance and the necessity for increased solidarity in the face of such divisive acts.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
