AUSTIN — Police on Tuesday confirmed they believe the suspect behind multiple acts of vandalism at an Austin mosque earlier this month could also be responsible for a vandalism at the New Madina Market on Monday.
After reviewing surveillance footage, police released images of the alleged suspect.
Police believe the suspect could be involved in the following incidents:
- On Aug. 29 at 9:43 p.m., a person is seen on video at the mosque located at 11900 N. Lamar Blvd. No criminal mischief was committed.
- On Sept. 2 at 1:24 a.m., four tires were slashed on a vehicle belonging to a member of the mosque. The vandalism was reported by phone later that morning.
- On Sept. 2 at 1:27 a.m., the front doors on the east side of the mosque were shattered, as were doors and windows on the south side. The person of interest is seen on video but not committing the damage.
- On Sept. 13 at 1:43 a.m., two tires were slashed on a vehicle belonging to the mosque's security guard. Two tires were also slashed on a van belonging to the mosque. One of the building's windows also appeared to be cracked from an attempted entry.
- On Sept. 17 at 2:08 a.m., the front doors of the New Madina Market at 9200 N. Lamar Blvd were broken. The person of interest seen on video appeared to be the same person captured on camera at the mosque on Aug. 29.
- On Sept. 20 at 2:24 a.m. the person of interest is caught on video smashing the market's windows with a hammer. Police said the person appears to be the same individual connected to the previous incidents at the market and at the mosque.
Islam Mossaad, Imam of the North Austin Muslim Community Center, said he has not seen this man before.
"That is troubling that a young person would act in such a fashion. It also puts a feeling in my heart to reach out to that person as well. Yes, we want him to be brought to justice, but we also want to let him know what Islam stands for," said Mossaad.
The Imam also believes these attacks are intentional.
"This is a target against Muslims, this isn't random. He understands, this is a mosque, this is a business where Muslim groceries, specifically halal meat sort of like kosher meat," said Mossaad.
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"The Austin Police Department takes these crimes very seriously," said Austin Police Chief Brian Manley. "Anytime a specific group is targeted or attacked in our community, our entire community is being targeted or attacked. As your police chief, these types of crimes will not be tolerated. The Austin Police Department has increased patrols at various locations and is employing covert tactics in an attempt to identify and arrest the suspect(s). We will continue to aggressively investigate this case until the suspect(s) has/have been arrested.”
If you have any other information regarding these crimes, please contact Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS, text "Tip 103" + your message to CRIMES, use the new Crime Stoppers App, or call APD Detective Jason Greve at (512) 974-5543. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.