Two arrested after Black Lives Matter mural vandalized in downtown Santa Cruz
Quick Take
Early Saturday morning the Santa Cruz Police Department received a report of vandalism to the “Black Lives Matter” mural painted at 800 Center Street and responding officers found vehicle tread marks swerving across the painted words.
On the same night that diversity issues were being celebrated on the other side of the county at the Rise Together gathering, the symbol of it was being vandalized in downtown Santa Cruz.
Early Saturday morning the Santa Cruz Police Department received a report of vandalism to the “Black Lives Matter” mural painted at 800 Center Street and responding officers found vehicle tread marks swerving across the painted words.
Later Saturday evening, police arrested 20-year-old Brandon Bochat from Santa Cruz and 19-year-old Hagan Warner of Boulder Creek, who investigators determined had taken turns driving the vehicle that deposited tire rubber over the mural.
Santa Cruz Mayor Donna Meyers and SCPD Chief Andy Mills are holding a community briefing Sunday on the situation at 11 a.m. at the Santa Cruz Police Department on 155 Center Street.
According to a statement from SCPD, “With assistance from the community, detectives were able to obtain video of the crime, in which a vehicle is seen intentionally ‘burning out’ and applying tire tread marks across the length of the mural. With this video evidence, investigators have identified a possible vehicle and person(s) of interest.
After viewing the damage, Meyers said: “Vandalism of our Black Lives Matter mural is unacceptable and must be dealt with immediately. The Santa Cruz Police are actively investigating this crime and keeping me up to date. We will work to repair the mural and stand in solidarity with our community to oppose hate.”
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Mills added: “This type of behavior is unacceptable in our community, and we will pour all of the resources necessary to ensure we identify and prosecute those responsible. Justice must be served as this crime deteriorates the civility of our community, and creates a higher level of anxiety for many citizens, including our black community.”
According to the SCPD statement, both added, “There is no place for racism or acts of hate in the City of Santa Cruz.”
Brenda Griffin, the NAACP’s local branch president, said via the statement, “This crime saddens me greatly. The NAACP is glad the police have placed a high priority on this investigation. It’s extraordinarily frustrating as some people still don’t get Black Lives Matter too. This mural is a symbol of hope. We want our youth to know we have their backs.”