A man was arrested early Wednesday morning after allegedly attempting to break into a Studio City home and threatening the Jewish occupants — an incident authorities say is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The home invasion was reported around 5 a.m. in the 3000 block of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The suspect, identified as Daniel Garcia, is accused of entering the home’s backyard and trying to kick in a door; he was held at bay by an occupant, who then contacted the police.
Garcia, who was wearing only underwear, was allegedly heard yelling “Free Palestine” and “Kill Jews,” the LAPD said in a release.
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Police said the victims were identified as being “of Jewish descent.”
In additional video taken by a neighbor, the man can be heard yelling incoherent responses to police and stating that he was not armed.
“Garcia, possibly suffering from mental illness, acted alone and his actions appeared motivated by the victims’ religious beliefs,” the LAPD said.
Source: LA Times