Sylmar, CA - Teen Arrested In Jewish Chapel Vandalism

Sylmar, CA - A teenager was arrested in connection with the vandalism at a Jewish chapel in a Sylmar cemetery that initially appeared to be a hate crime, but is now thought to be gang-related, authorities said.

Carlos Rodolfo Nevarez, 19, of Pacoima, was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism to a place of worship, Sheriff's Lt. Carrie Stuart said. Nevarez is being held at the Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Station on $50,000 bail.
Vandals did about $90,000 in damage to the Glen Haven Memorial Park and Mortuary, 13017 Lopez Canyon Road in Sylmar on Saturday.

A menorah in Sholom Memorial Park's chapel was smashed, pews were knocked over and several caskets were pulled from a storage area and vandalized overnight. A casket with a body in it was left alone.
The vandal also emptied several fire extinguishers into the chapel and left "gang-style" graffiti on the sidewalk and curb outside the Christian area of the cemetery. Empty beer bottles and the drained fire extinguishers were also left behind.