San Diego police investigating reported hate crime in Hillcrest

San Diego Police are investigating a suspected hate crime in Hillcrest following reports early Friday morning from local business owners that a swastika and an anti-LBTQ+ slur were being painted on a wall and trashcan at a key intersection in the neighborhood.

Capt. Matt DobbsMike Dodds said that police quickly went to to the site of the reported vandalism – in the area of Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street – to look for evidence and review video surveillance. Private footage showed that the incident appeared to have occurred between approximately 2 and 3 a.m. on Friday, Dobbs said.

Seen in the video are three unidentified suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts who Dobbs said may have left the area in a vehicle similar to an early 2000s gray Buick Century, which was missing the right front hubcap.

“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,” the department said in a statement. “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.”

San Diego City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, whose district includes the Hillcrest area, echoed the comments of the San Diego police department.

“Hillcrest is famous for b...