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Bell Police Say Dog Feces Tossed at LGBTQ Center Is Littering, Not Vandalism

Security video identified a suspect, prompting a review of motive for a possible hate-crime enhancement.

Overview

  • Months of bagged dog feces were thrown onto Mi SELA’s awning, and new CCTV captured a man walking his dog and tossing a bag at the building.
  • Bell Police Chief Damian Velasco said the conduct meets only a littering offense under current law and does not reach the threshold for vandalism.
  • At a Wednesday clean-up and press event, officials said an officer would need to witness the act to issue a citation, and the man’s name remains undisclosed.
  • Police have consulted the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and are assessing whether evidence establishes motive for a hate-crime enhancement.
  • Funded by a $2,500 grant from Supervisor Janice Hahn for the cameras, Mi SELA is seeking an apology and restorative dialogue and may pursue civil action if the behavior continues.