2 Teens Suspected of Hate-Crime Graffiti
Sheriff’s deputies arrested two teenagers on suspicion of hate-crime vandalism late Sunday in connection with graffiti found at a Calabasas elementary school.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Phil Morris of the Lost Hills station said the two Calabasas boys, “who are both 16 and of the Jewish faith,” scrawled swastikas and “white power” slogans on the outer walls of Chaparral Elementary School.
A third suspect, also 16, is being sought in connection with the crime.
“This type of vandalism incites fear and intimidation among members of the community,” Morris said. “It’s incredibly unusual given the faith of the suspects.”
Morris said the boys, whose identities were not disclosed, were released to the custody of their parents. He said detectives will file felony and misdemeanor charges today.
Las Virgenes School District security officials reported the crime Saturday at the school, located on the 22600 block of Liberty Bell Drive.
The school had spray paint on walls, doors and windows, Morris said. One spray-paint can was found at the scene and held as evidence.
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