Suspect Vandalizes Mural Honoring Immigrants In Berkeley: Police

BERKELEY, CA — Police say they're searching for a person suspected of vandalizing a mural honoring immigrant experiences in Central Berkeley last week.

The suspect splattered white paint across the "Sinbad Voyage" mural on Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to the Berkeley Police Department. The mural is located on a building at the corner of Sacramento Street and Dwight Way.

A video posted by the Berkeley Police Department shows what they say is a person walking through the neighborhood with what looks like a can of paint.

A motive for the incident is unclear. It may, however, be connected with another act of vandalism about a block and a half away, police said.

There, a suspect poured white paint onto the hood of a car parked in a home's driveway, police said.

"We understand this comes at a time of heightened anxiety for many in our community about being targeted because of identity or origin, and we don't take that lightly," police said in a statement on Thursday. "We thank the neighbors and community members who have already come forward with information and support."

There's no evidence at this time that whoever committed the vandalism targeted anyone or any group specifically, police said.

"The investigation continues and will share updates as they become available," police said. "If you have any information about these incidents, please contact our Property Crimes Unit at 510-981-5737."