UPDATE: ARREST MADE

On Friday August 19, 2022 Atlanta Police investigators identified a suspect in this case. Warrants were issued for 30-year-old Jonah Sampson. Sampson was arrested later the same day and is in the Fulton County Jail. Sampson is charged with Criminal Trespass, Interference with Government Property, and Criminal Damage to Property.

On 8-19-2022, at around 12:00 PM, investigators went to the apartment of the suspect believed to have spraypainted a swastika onto the rainbow crosswalk at 10^th Street and Piedmont Avenue on two separate occasions. Investigators attempted to make contact with the male, but were initially unsuccessful. The SWAT Team was requested to the scene and continued efforts to contact the suspect. Eventually, the suspect notified police he was exiting the apartment and he was taken into custody without incident

Atlanta Police investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify a person responsible for vandalizing the rainbow cross walk in mid-town Atlanta.

 LINK TO VIDEO

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On Wednesday August 17, 2022 officers responded to a report of a male suspect spray painting the Rainbow Crosswalk at 10^th St and Piedmont Ave NE. Surveillance video showed a suspect enter the cross walk and spray paint a swastika before walking away.

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On Friday August 19, 2022 officers were called to the intersection of 10^th St and Piedmont Ave NE for another incident of someone painting a swastika on the Rainbow Crosswalk. Surveillance video also captured images of a suspect.

Investigators believe the same suspect is responsible for these two incidents. There were also similar incidents in the area and investigators are working to determine if the same suspect was involved.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect in this case should contact 911 or Crime Stoppers Atlanta. Information on the case can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.StopCrimeATL.com . Callers do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

On August 17th, 2022, the LGBTQ Liaison Unit was notified by Zone 5 units regarding a symbol that appeared to be a swastika spray painted on the rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of 10th and Piedmont. ATL DOT responded to remove the vandalized portion of the crosswalk. Investigators are working to determine the details surrounding the incident. At this time, there is nothing further to release. 

Please keep in mind the above information is preliminary and could change as the investigation progresses or new information comes to light.

“Atlanta Police immediately notified the Mayor’s Office of the matter, then ATLDOT scrambled a crew—in the rain—to remove the disgusting act of vandalism from our street. 

We thank the women and men of ATLDOT and APD for erasing the hate that has no place in our city in a such a swift and efficient manner.”

Michael Smith

Press Secretary