Santa Cruz police make arrest in vandalism of LGBTQ+ pub
Police in Santa Cruz have arrested a man on suspicion of a hate crime after a LGBTQ+ bar in the city's downtown was vandalized early Tuesday morning.
Around 3 a.m., officers were called to The Neighbor's Pub at 711 Pacific Avenue. The recently opened pub held its ribbon cutting last week, according to its website.
Police said the owner had discovered an offensive message etched into the glass of the front doors. Burnt material was also found near the doorway and a section of a wall was scorched, indicating that the suspect had attempted to set the area around the front doors on fire.
MEDIA RELEASE On December 10, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to 711 Pacific Ave (The...
Posted by Santa Cruz Police on Friday, December 13, 2024
According to officers, a camera inside the pub captured a small portion of the incident.
On Friday morning, police released photos surveillance photos of the suspect. Hours later, police announced that they have arrested 45-year-old James Eason in connection with the incident. Police said Eason was already in custody at the county jail for an unrelated offense.
In an update Friday afternoon, police said they linked Eason to the incident after comparing police body camera footage from an unrelated arrest with security camera footage from the indident.
Police said Eason would be rebooked for charges of vandalism, hate crime and arson.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Rock of the Santa Cruz Police Department at erock@santacruzca.gov. Tips can also be sent anonymously by calling the department's tip line at 831-420-5995.