The San Diego Police Department is currently investigating a hate crime that unfolded in the Hillcrest neighborhood. According to an X post from the department, the incident involved the defacement of public property with hateful graffiti targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The vandalism was discovered early Friday morning near the intersection of 5th Ave. and Robinson St., where a swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur were found spray-painted on a trash can and a wall.
San Diego Police Investigating Hate Crime in Hillcrest Neighborhood
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) August 3, 2024
San Diego – The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is investigating a hate crime-related vandalism
from early Friday morning that happened in the area of 5th Ave. and Robinson St. in Hillcrest.
Detectives from the SDPD's Western Division responded immediately to the scene after being notified by local business owners. Private surveillance footage, captured between 2 and 3 a.m., shows three individuals in hooded sweatshirts who are believed to be responsible for the vandalism. Acting swiftly, they appear to have escaped, possibly in an older model grey Buick Century, distinguishable by its missing right front hubcap.
In a show of profound commitment to community well-being, the San Diego Police have publicly denounced the act, emphasizing that hate crimes have no place in society and assuring that all resources will be directed toward apprehending the suspects. To address community concerns and deter future incidents, an increase in police presence has been promised in the Hillcrest area.
The investigation is still preliminary, and not much more information is available. Community members with knowledge about the incident or the identity of the suspects are urged to contact the Western Division at (619) 692-4800 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
