MIPD refers charges in hate-based vandalism incident

King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review case.

One week after the public helped lead to the identification of two male suspects in connection with a recent Mercer Island hate-based vandalism case, local police said they have referred charges to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) began receiving tips and information after it issued a press release on Jan. 10 with the suspects’ photos lifted from surveillance at Islander Middle School (IMS).

According to a previous Reporter article, the individuals trespassed onto the IMS grounds on the late evening of Jan. 1 and scrawled antisemitic and racist symbols and phrases on numerous windows and exterior walls.

The prosecuting attorney’s office will now be reviewing the case, MIPD said in a Jan. 17 release.

“Because the suspects are minors, their names and other details will not be released,” said MIPD, adding, “The Mercer Island Police Department takes any instance of hate-based crime very seriously. If you ever encounter this type of vandalism or experience harassment, please report it immediately by calling 911.”

Police further said about the incident: “There were swastikas and messages that were disparaging towards many different races.”

They weren’t certain how many tips they received on Jan. 10.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office echoed the police press release that the case was referred to their office and was being reviewed.

The Reporter will add more information to the story when it becomes available.