A man who BART police says has drawn swastikas and racial slurs on trains and stations across the Bay Area will not be charged with a hate crime for the acts, but will still face vandalism charges if caught.
BART sent the photos you see above to media Friday, saying that the man "was seen on video earlier this week writing on the floor at the Embarcadero Station."
BART alleges that the man "has drawn several swastikas and written racial slurs on BART property," and that "such vandalism has been reported at the San Leandro, Glen Park, and MacArthur Stations."
Speaking with CBS 5, however, BART Deputy Police Chief Ed Alvarez says that the suspect, if nabbed, will not be hit with hate crime charges in the case, as "a racial slur or swastika must be directed at a person for in order for it be considered a hate crime."
However, the transit agency still seems ready to go after the man and others who deface BART property, saying that "Whenever [vandalism] is reported we will respond immediately to clean it up and BART intends to pursue criminal charges."
If you recognize the man or see him in person, BART asks that you call BART police at (510) 464-7040. You can also call (510) 464-7011 to make an anonymous report.