Suspect Identified and Arrested for Hate Crime and Arson at Santa Cruz LGBTQ+ Bar

Suspect Identified and Arrested for Hate Crime and Arson at Santa Cruz LGBTQ+ Bar
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“Santa Cruz, CA – December 13, 2024 – The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) is announcing the identification of James Eason, age 45, as the suspect in a Hate Crime incident at The Neighbors Pub, located at 711 Pacific Avenue. Eason, who is currently in custody at the county jail for an unrelated crime, will be re-booked for the charges of vandalism, hate crime and arson in connection with the December 10th incident.

On December 10, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism and possible arson at The Neighbors Pub, a recently opened establishment serving the LGBTQ+ community. Upon arrival, officers discovered that someone had etched an offensive message into the glass front doors of the bar. In addition, evidence was found suggesting an attempt to set fire to the area around the front entrance. Burnt materials were collected, and a section of the wall near the doorway was scorched.

Through diligent investigation, SCPD officers were able to compare body camera footage from an earlier unrelated arrest this week with security camera images from the incident. It was determined that the same individual, James Eason, was responsible for the incident on December 10th. Eason is currently being held in the county jail for a separate matter but will be re-booked on charges related to the vandalism, hate crime and arson at The Neighbors Pub.”

Originally Published By Santa Cruz Police 
Suspect Identified and Arrested for Hate Crime and Arson at Santa Cruz LGBTQ+ Bar was last modified: December 18th, 2024 by admin

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