Hate Crime Arrest Announced Following Racist Graffiti At Anza School

ANZA, CA — A 17-year-old boy was arrested Monday on suspicion of a hate crime, vandalism, and making criminal threats of violence following an investigation into racist graffiti found at an Anza elementary school.

The boy, whose identity was not released, was taken into custody in Ventura. He was transferred to Riverside juvenile hall and was being held in lieu of a $100,000 bail bond, according to the sheriff's department.

"The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office takes hate crimes very seriously," the agency reported. "Crimes motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability will not be tolerated. We will vigorously investigate and bring any individuals or groups responsible for hate crimes to justice."

An investigation into the incident began around 7:21 a.m. April 5 when deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station were called to Hamilton Elementary School at 57550 Mitchell Road regarding a report of racist graffiti on school grounds and on a nearby road.

The campus was on spring break, but some school administrators showed up for work that morning. Additionally, a handful of students were on campus for a learning opportunity, according to the sheriff's department.

Investigators were able to obtain surveillance video showing three suspects tagging the campus around 10:30 p.m. April 4.

Based on leads, investigators identified the 17-year-old boy as a suspect. Two other suspects were still being identified, according to the sheriff's department.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to call Investigator Devin Diyorio at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station: 951-791-3400.