Authorities arrest student in connection with Encinitas school graffiti incident

Surveillance images show a person spray-painting racist and homophobic graffiti on the walls of San Dieguito High School Academy in Encinitas on early New Year’s Day. (San Diego County Sheriff’s Department)

North Coast Current

Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old San Dieguito Academy High School student in connection with a New Year’s Day graffiti incident at the Encinitas campus.

The arrest was made Feb. 1, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department announced. The boy, who was held at the Sheriff’s North Coastal Station in Encinitas, was later released to his parents. The department has referred the case to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.

The incident was captured on campus surveillance video just before 4 a.m. on Jan. 1. The suspect was pictured spray-painting racist and homophobic slurs on a building at the front of the campus. The incident sparked an outcry in the community, which included rally of politicians and community members on Jan. 3.

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