SDPD License Plate Reader System Assist in Arrest for Hillcrest Hate Crime
November 15, 2024 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officials report that they 
have been investigating a Hate Crime-related vandalism in the area of 5th Ave. and Robinson St., in the Hillcrest neighborhood which occurred earlier this year. The Department’s LGBTQ+ Liaisons were contacted by local business leaders to report the vandalism, which included a swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur being spray painted on trashcans and walls in the area of 5th and Robinson.
Investigators from SDPD’s Western Division were immediately sent to the scene to begin the investigation, search for evidence, and collect any available video surveillance. The detectives were able to obtain footage of a vehicle from a surveillance camera and the information was uploaded into SDPD’s Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system. The suspect vehicle was identified using the system and the subsequent investigation led to two suspects being identified and arrest warrants being issued.
On November 7, 2024, 21-year-old Daniel Coad of San Diego was arrested. The second suspect remains at large and is not being identified currently.
The San Diego Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe space for all members of our community and acts of hate such as this will not be tolerated.
This case has been issued by the San Diego District Attorney’s Office. All future media requests should be directed to their office. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Western Division at (619) 692-4800 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Source: San Diego Police Department
