Suspect wanted in series of possible hate crimes in LA

Man wanted on suspicion of hate crimes

The search is on for a man accused in a series of alleged hate crimes in the Woodland Hills area.

LOS ANGELES - Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating a series of alleged hate crimes in the western San Fernando Valley after several Jewish-owned businesses were vandalized in Woodland Hills and Canoga Park beginning Saturday.

Investigators believe the same suspect struck again Monday morning. Video taken from the scene Monday shows shattered glass at an In-N-Out Burger located across from Canoga Park High School before moving next door to shatter the window at Sherwin Williams. The suspect left behind a rock that read "pay up" at the paint store. Another rock reading "Glory" was also recovered.

Police say all the vandalized businesses are within a two-mile radius.

Possible hate crimes were under investigation in Woodland Hills following the vandalism of several businesses that were Jewish or Israeli-owned.

The motive and meaning behind the message remains unclear and investigators believe the crimes are connected. Surveillance footage captured the suspect who threw a rock through one of the businesses.

Surveillance footage shows a man wanted in a series of alleged hate crimes in the San Fernando Valley.

Big O Tires was also hit and, over the weekend, the same message was left on rocks used to shatter windows at three other businesses.

One business owner believes they were targeted because they had a mezuzah on display.

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The suspect is described as being a 45 to 55-year-old man about 5’08", 170 lbs, balding with a gray or white beard. On Jan. 6 he was seen on surveillance video wearing a green Nike sweatshirt, black pants, and white Nike shoes. In the Jan. 8 incident, he was wearing a burgundy Nike sweatshirt, black pants, white Nike shoes.

Those with information were asked to contact the LAPD.

Woodland Hills Canoga Park Crime and Public Safety