Overview
- Authorities arrested Kristoffer Wilheim Vonhassel and booked him on six counts of vandalism and six counts of property damage motivated by civil-rights violations after security footage identified a suspect.
- The arrest occurred near the vandalism site about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and deputies say the evidence linked him to multiple antisemitic tags found on homes in Imperial Beach.
- Deputies recovered a handheld electronic device at the time of arrest that officials described as able to interact with certain wireless access signals, and the suspect’s mother later identified the device as a Flipper Zero.
- Victims said the graffiti, which included hate symbols, appeared during Jewish holidays and caused fear and sleep loss for residents, while the Anti-Defamation League praised the sheriff’s office and offered support to those targeted.
- Vonhassel’s parents deny the allegations and cited his earlier recognition as a young security researcher; he remains in custody at San Diego Central Jail as investigators and prosecutors continue the case and prepare for arraignment.