Female Suspect Sought In Hate Crime, Vandalism At Santa Cruz County Mosque

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged hate crime where a woman spray painted a Star of David and “26” on the door to a mosque near Capitola last Wednesday, a spokesman said.

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From a surveillance video, the unidentified woman, wearing a hooded sweatshirt, was seen walking up to the front of the mosque in the unincorporated Live Oak area at about 1:40 a.m. last Wednesday, sheriff’s Sgt. Kelly Kent said.

The woman, who had covered the bottom half of her face, then went to the front door of the mosque, Kent said.

Personnel of the mosque, a place of worship for Muslims, later found the Star of David, a symbol associated with the Jewish religion, and “26” spray painted on the front door, deputies said.

The paint caused only about $50 in damage, but deputies are investigating the incident as vandalism and a hate crime, Kent said.

The suspect’s sweatshirt had the letters “SC” printed on the left torso, according to deputies. Investigators do not know what the “26” painted on the door means, Kent said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking those with information about the suspect to notify dispatch at (831) 471-1121.

--Bay City News