15-year-old arrested after series of hate crimes and vandalism

CHULA VISTA – A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a series of vandalism incidents at an elementary school that are being investigated as hate crimes, Chula Vista police announced Friday.

The boy was taken into custody at a high school football game around 7 p.m. Friday when investigators executed a search warrant on his Chula Vista home.

The graffiti was first discovered on August 18 at the Enrique Camarena Elementary School.

According to police, the graffiti was found on several walls, doors and a large mural; it contained racist slurs and symbols such as swastikas.

After the graffiti was covered up the next morning, more was discovered at the front of the campus.

Additional security measures were taken, but on August 21, school staff discovered more graffiti.

Chula Vista police, working with school liaison officers, said they identified the suspect after collecting evidence and speaking with numerous community members.

Federal authorities and the Anti-Defamation League were also consulted, police said.

The boy, whose name was not released, is accused of a hate crime and vandalism.

“I want the community to know that as a mother, I recognized her fears and concerns from the beginning,” Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy said in a statement about the arrest. “While we were unable to publicly discuss our specific strategies, my department's top priority was to find the individual who caused this fear. These hateful acts are unacceptable and we will not tolerate such behavior in our community. I am grateful to the FBI and members of our local school staff and community for coming together to help us put a quick end to this.”

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the vandalism to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit tips anonymously online or through the P3tips mobile application.