June 21, 2022
SAN LEANDRO, CA—Nicholas Swyers, 25, was taken into custody in connection with racist messages spray-painted on a Realtor sign and on a garage in the 15300 block of Inverness Street.
Police officers responded to reports a sign was found spray-painted with an anti-Asian slur on Saturday around 9.m., on June 18. Police returned again around 7 a.m. on Sunday and found the same message spray-painted on the garage door, reports ABC7.
The suspect lives on the same block as the home, which is in the process of being sold. According to ABC7, the Realtor, property owners, and most recent tenants of the home are of Asian descent.
Swyers was arrested without incident at about 1:30 a.m. Monday on suspicion of a hate crime and police also discovered evidence linking the 25-year-old suspect to the vandalism during the execution of a search warrant.
“This is an unfortunate reminder that hate and racism do exist,” said Lt. Matthew Barajas. “But, this is also a reminder that the San Leandro Police Department will unequivocally not stand for this behavior and dedicate the necessary resources to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is urged to contact SLPD via any of the following methods: non-emergency line at (510) 577-2740, anonymous tip line at (510) 577-3278, or text-to-tip at 888777 (keyword: TipSLPolice).
Feature Image via Dion Lim