Authorities' recent investigation into a hate crime in Hillcrest has led to an arrest aided by advanced surveillance technology. According to the San Diego Police Department, earlier this year, Hillcrest was targeted by vandals who painted a swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur at the intersection of 5th Ave. and Robinson St. In response to complaints from local business owners, the police department sent detectives from the Western Division to investigate, searching for clues and reviewing video footage.

The break in the case came when detectives managed to capture footage of a suspect vehicle, which they promptly input into the Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, a tool that turned pivotal in the hunt for the perpetrators. The process eventually led to the identification of two suspects and the issuance of arrest warrants despite running into several dead ends. Yesterday morning, authorities apprehended 21-year-old Daniel Coad from San Diego, heralding a partial closure to a saga that has rattled the local community. The second suspect's identity has not been revealed as they remain at large.

As the case proceeds, the San Diego District Attorney's Office has now taken the reins; all inquiries moving forward should be directed there. The public remains a critical ally in the pursuit of justice, and anyone possessing knowledge pertinent to these events is urged to contact Western Division at (619) 692-4800 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.