LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A 73-year-old man was arrested on Monday as Metro police investigate reports of swastikas painted on campaign signs in Las Vegas.
Police arrested David Smith, who faces a charge of placing graffiti/defacing property with a value of $5,000 or more. Smith is in the Clark County Detention Center with his bail set at $3,000, according to records. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Metro detectives began investigating the reports on Aug. 3 in what became an ongoing “vandalism series” of political campaign signs.
Earlier this month, 8 News Now reported the vandalism to signs put up by Better Nevada PAC. The swastika was placed over the face of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Republicans see Newsom’s endorsement of Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford in the governor’s race as a reason to vote for Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.
John Burke of Better Nevada PAC said Tuesday, “We are grateful to Metro for their efforts to apprehend this suspect. This hateful symbol has absolutely no place in our society and we will continue to ensure that all vandalized billboards are fully repaired.”
Detectives identified Smith as a suspect by using automated license plate readers.
The investigation into the vandalism of other political signs in our valley remains ongoing, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Anyone with any information related to this investigation is urged to contact LVMPD detectives at 702-828-7777. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.co.
Source: 8newsnow.com
