A man suspected of a series of vandalism incidents dating back to August and targeting Jewish businesses in the San Fernando Valley has been arrested, police announced Friday.
Antonio Montes Gutierrez was taken into custody Thursday after Major Crimes Division and Topanga Division detectives executed a search warrant at his San Fernando Valley residence, where investigators recovered items believed to be connected to the offenses, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Montes Gutierrez was booked into the Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of five felony counts and was being held on $250,000 bail.
Police said detectives began investigating a string of vandalism incidents in which Jewish businesses along the Ventura Boulevard and Winnetka Avenue corridors were defaced with swastikas and other hate-related graffiti.
“Investigators will continue to review the case and the evidence collected, and will work with the District Attorney’s office for further follow-up,” the police department said in a statement.
Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact Major Crimes Division Detective Shannon Curtis at 213-486-7220. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers or visit lacrimestoppers.org.