Hate Crime at a Church in Sylmar NR23187wm

October 24, 2023  NR23187dm

UPDATE

$50,000 Reward for Sylmar Church Cross Burning – Hate Crime

The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with information regarding this crime. In support of efforts to identify the individual, or individuals, responsible for this malicious act, the Los Angeles City Council has approved a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of those involved.

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Razo-Banting or Detective Allen, Major Crimes Division, at (213) 486-6270. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1(877) LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.

Sylmar: On July 6, 2023 at around 4:40 a.m., The Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division Investigative Sections, The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson Investigators, and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms House of Worship Task Force personnel were notified and responded to Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church located in the 13900 block of Polk Street, to investigate an Arson / Hate-Crime incident involving the burning of three (3) crosses on the front lawn of the location.

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson Investigators confirmed an accelerant was used to commit the arson. Extensive investigative efforts were conducted at scene following this incident and the investigation is ongoing. At this point, there is no indication that this Arson Hate-Crime is related to any arson or hate crime series.

A Community Alert was generated and distributed to the public seeking their assistance with any information about the crime.

The Los Angeles Police Department will continue to work closely with Los Angeles Fire Department’s Arson Investigators and the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms to follow up on any credible investigative leads.

Anyone with additional information on these crimes is urged to call Major Crimes Detective Allen, at (213) 486-6270. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.