Blood Trail, Swastikas Found At Public Restroom In Fairfax District
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – Authorities are investigating a possible hate crime at a public restroom Monday in the Fairfax District.
According to Los Angeles police, the blood was discovered in the 100 block of North Gardner Street at around 6:45 a.m. on a wall near a playground and in or near a bathroom next to a senior center in the park near the 100 block of North Gardner Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Two swastikas drawn in blood were found, according to LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman. Investigators believe the blood came from someone who had suffered an accident, a self-inflicted injury or a criminal act, Eisenman said.
Bloodhounds followed a scent for several blocks before losing the trail, said Eisenman.
Police conducted a search of the area, but did not find anyone injured or deceased. A hate incident report was generated and detectives will continue to investigate and seek the injured party, she said.
"Very unsettling," said Ari Friedman, who lives near the scene. "Four grandparents were Holocaust survivors and some flashbacks to some of the stories I was told when I was younger."
Soni Chawla told CBSLA's Randy Paige she believes the local homeless community - many of whom sleep at the park - may be responsible.
"They are here in the night because the restrooms are open," she said. "Can't think of something else going on here."
Despite initial reports, the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust was located at least 500 yards from the park and does not appear to have any connection, Paige reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LAPD Wilshire Division at (213) 473-0476.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)