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L.A. Police Arrest Suspect in New Year’s Day City Hall Vandalism

Detectives plan to present the case to the county district attorney for filing consideration.

Overview

  • Police identified the suspect as Jose Gonzalez Chavez, who was taken into custody without incident and booked on suspicion of felony vandalism.
  • Investigators say entry was made by breaking a locked glass door at the First Street entrance before vandalism occurred on upper floors.
  • Damage cited by officials includes windows, a glass display case, computer equipment, and the Katowicz menorah displayed in the third-floor rotunda.
  • Mayor Karen Bass said there is no indication the menorah damage was a hate crime and noted she informed the Cunin family who loan the piece annually.
  • LAPD says Chavez is undergoing a mental-health evaluation and the city has launched a review of City Hall security, with detectives seeking tips at 213-833-3750 or via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 and lacrimestoppers.com.