Swastikas, Anti-Semitic Graffiti Deface Palm Desert; Help Sought

PALM DESERT, CA — Investigations into anti-Semitic graffiti, including swastikas, across Palm Desert have led to two arrests, but the sheriff's department is still searching for at least one other suspect.

The separate investigations began shortly before 10 p.m. April 30 when deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were called to the 73000 block of El Paseo regarding drawings of swastikas on a store window.

Video surveillance taken at the scene showed a man drawing the anti-Semitic images with a marker. The man has not been found, though the sheriff's department has released a still image of the alleged suspect (see below).

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Grasso at 760-836-1600, the Riverside County sheriff’s dispatch non-emergency number at 951-776-1099, or submit an anonymous tip through Riverside County Crime Stoppers.

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"Additional anti-Semitic graffiti was located at several locations within the same general area," according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Video surveillance footage showed that two male suspects were responsible for the most recent vandalism, and an investigation has resulted in the arrests of two juveniles, the sheriff's department announced Monday.

Due to the suspects' ages, their names were not released.

Vandalism charges will be filed with the Riverside County Probation Department, the sheriff's department reported.