Synagogue hate crime being investigated by the police

A swastika was drawn on a wall at a synagogue on Feb. 10

FREMONT >> A suspect is being sought in the city’s first documented hate crime of the year, a 4-inch swastika drawn on an exterior wall of a Jewish synagogue Feb. 10, police said.

Police responding to Temple Beth Torah at the 42000 block of Paseo Padre Parkway to investigate a report of vandalism met with on-site employees who directed them to the swastika.

Officers documented the graffiti and searched the area for evidence, including video surveillance. It is unknown when the swastika was painted on the wall.

In a news release, Fremont Chief of Police Kimberly Petersen said: “This is unacceptable, and I have personally seen that this be made a high priority investigation for our department. Fremont is a city that celebrates diversity, and this is not reflective of our collective values. Hate and biasmotivated crimes will not be tolerated in our community.”

Authorities said it’s Fremont’s first reported hate crime in 2021. In 2020, police documented five hate crime incidents. Information on hate crimes can be located on the department’s Transparency Portal at fremontpolice.gov/ transparency.

Anyone with information about the incident may contact Detective Michael Gebhardt at Mgebhardt@fremont.gov or call 510-790-5954. Anonymous tips also will be accepted. Text: Tip FremontPD followed by a short message to 888777 or via the web at local.nixle.com/tip/ alert/6216337.