Police Investigating Graffiti Vandalism in Park as Hate Crime

Published on July 08, 2021

Palo Alto, CA – Police are investigating a vandalism case at a park as a hate crime, as an unknown suspect used an unknown substance to etch a derogatory racial statement inside a bathroom.

On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at about 4:40 p.m. an officer conducting routine foot patrol discovered a vandalism at El Camino Park at 155 El Camino Real.  The officer observed writings that had been etched into the exterior of a bathroom stall, using an unknown substance.  The writings included a statement espousing a hatred of white people.  A Public Works crew was promptly notified to repair the damage.  Police believe the incident occurred Tuesday or Wednesday.  There is no suspect information at this time, nor is there any known connection between this case and a hate crime vandalism reported at the same location on May 7, 2021.  To view details on that case, read the news release we distributed about it on May 11.

In the wake of recent national events and increased attention on hate crimes, the personnel of the Palo Alto Police Department continue to show their commitment to thoroughly investigate any reported hate crimes in Palo Alto.  In late March, the Palo Alto City Council denounced violence directed at people of Asian descent, and that came on the heels of months of efforts with City Council’s ongoing conversations and work on race and equity.  You are welcome to read a blog post from the City entitled “Steps the Community Can Take to Help Stop Hate Crimes.”  The City of Palo Alto strongly denounces hate crimes of all kinds, and encourages members of our community to promptly report these incidents by calling our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413, or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413.  Anonymous tips can be e-mailed to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent via text message or voice mail to (650) 383-8984.