Thousands of dollars worth of damage by vandalism at two schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District prompts the Chula Vista Police Department in an investigation.
School Resource Officers at Bonita Vista Middle School (BVMS) and Bonita Vista High School (BVHS) discovered each campus covered in spray painted antisemitic and homophobic messages on Nov. 1. Investigators believed both incidents occurred between 6-10 p.m on Halloween night.
Statements of antisemitic and homophobic nature were discovered by officers according to a press release on Tuesday. At BVHS, a broken classroom window was discovered along with spray painted doors and walls. Police said the vandalism was quickly repaired before students were able to see it. At BVMS, several doors and walls were targeted by vandals.
The estimated repair costs for the vandalism at BVHS is estimated at $1,600 and $1,000 at BVMS. According to the CVPD, Investigators filed both incidents as hate crimes because of the nature expressed in the spray-painted statements.
Although the motive behind the vandalism remains unknown, it is believed the incidents are connected due to the yellow, teal, and black paint used at both schools.
Officials report this incident as a hate crime because of it’s anti-sematic and homophobic nature.
Police will reward information leading to an arrest and investigators are trying to locate witnesses and potential suspects. Anyone who may have information regarding the vandalism are asked to call the San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Students with information can use the P3 App (Students Speaking Out). Tipsters may remain anonymous.
