CHULA VISTA - A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection to a series of vandalism incidents at an elementary school that are being investigated as hate crimes, Chula Vista Police announced on Friday.
The boy was take into custody at about 7 p.m. Friday at a high school football game as investigators were serving a search warrant at his home in Chula Vista.
The graffiti was first discovered at Enrique Camarena Elementary School on August 18.
Police say the graffiti was found on several walls, doors and on a large mural, and included racial epithets and symbols such as swastikas.
After the graffiti was covered the following morning, more was discovered by the front of the campus.
Additional security measures were put in place, but more graffiti was found by school staff on August 21.
Chula Vista Police, working with School Resource Officers, say they identified the suspect after collecting evidence and speaking with numerous community members.
Federal authorities and the Anti-Defamation League were also consulted, police said.
The boy, whose name has not been released, is facing felony hate crime and felony vandalism charges.
"I want the community to know, as a parent myself, I acknowledged their fears and concerns from the onset," Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy said in a statement announcing the arrest. "While we couldn't discuss our specific strategies publicly, my department made finding the person responsible for causing this fear its top priority. These hateful acts are unacceptable, and we will not tolerate behavior like this in our community. I'm thankful to the FBI and members of our local school staff and community for coming together to help us put an end to this quickly."
Investigators are asking anyone with more information about the vandalism to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submit tips anonymously online or through the P3tips mobile application.