Overview
- Investigators traced antisemitic graffiti on homes in Imperial Beach to surveillance footage after markings were first found on Sept. 13, authorities said.
- San Diego County deputies arrested 18-year-old Kristoffer Wilheim Vonhassel and booked him on counts of vandalism and property damage motivated by civil-rights violations.
- Deputies said they found a handheld electronic device on the suspect that can interact with wireless signals used by garage doors and gates, which the suspect’s mother later identified as a Flipper Zero.
- Homeowners said the tags, which included swastikas and hateful language, caused fear and sleep loss and prompted the Anti-Defamation League to offer support and praise law enforcement’s response.
- In a recent court appearance the defendant entered a not-guilty plea and was released on conditions while the case moves through arraignment and further proceedings.