Two Juveniles Arrested for Vandalism and Hate Crime

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, September 25, 2000

"Two Juveniles Arrested for Vandalism and Hate Crime"

Woodland Hills: On Sunday, September 24, 2000, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers assigned to West Valley Area responded to a radio call for burglary suspects at the West Valley Hebrew Academy, 5724 Oso Avenue in Woodland Hills. Upon arrival, officers observed two juveniles, ages 14 and 15, running from one of the classrooms and took both of them into custody. The investigation revealed that 14 classrooms had been broken into and ransacked. Several windows were broken, computers spray painted and swastikas painted on chalkboards and doors. The estimated amount of damage is $50,000.

The address is actually the site of two schools, the Hebrew Academy and the French-American School. The two juveniles were arrested for burglary and detained at Sylmar Juvenile Hall.

West Valley Juvenile Detectives are handling the investigation and submitted requests for criminal charges of burglary, vandalism and hate crime to the District Attorney’s Office.

Both juveniles were living in a "Sober Living House" located near the school. Neither juvenile is a known member of a white supremacist or "skin head" group.

For further information, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section 213-485-3586.

For Release 11:50 am PDT
September 25, 2000