Hate Crime Targets LGBTQ+ Community In Hillcrest

SAN DIEGO, CA — A "hate crime-related vandalism" targeting the LGBTQ+ community in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego was under investigation, police said Saturday.

Business owners reported the vandalism, which happened early Friday morning in the area of Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street, according to the San Diego Police Department. The vandalism included a swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur spray painted on a trash can and a wall.

Based on a preliminary investigation and video surveillance footage, police said three unknown suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts vandalized the neighborhood between 2-3 a.m. Friday. They possibly left the area in a vehicle similar to an early 2000s grey Buick Century, which was missing the right front hubcap, police said.

"SDPD is committed to ensuring a safe space for all members of our community and acts of hate such as this will not be tolerated," police said in a news release. "SDPD will be using all available resources to identify these suspects and bring them to justice. There will be an increased police presence in the area to prevent additional crimes and give the community a sense of security as they go about their lives."

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call the Western Division at 619-692-4800 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.