Vandal who targeted Pinole mayor in series of graffiti tags still at large

(KRON) — Investigators with the Pinole Police Department are asking the public again for leads as it looks for the suspected man behind a series of graffiti incidents across Pinole in July, including negative messages that were aimed at the city’s mayor.

PPD said the suspected vandal struck five times early on Wednesday, July 30 between 2:10 a.m. and 2:50 a.m. The locations hit were four local businesses and one residence.

Police said the incidents do not appear to be hate crimes, violent threats or gang related. There is no word on the estimated value of the damage.

Detectives said surveillance video and witness information have pinpointed the suspect as a white male believed to be in his 50s with long brown hair and a goatee. The man was seen wearing a burnt orange or red shirt with light-colored pants and driving away in a white minivan with missing wheel covers.

In a statement to KRON4, Pinole Mayor Cameron Sasai confirmed that the messages were targeted at him.

“I can confirm that the vandalism was directed towards me, but the victims were unfortunately the small businesses and property owners in Pinole who were affected by this reckless behavior and the costs associated with abating the graffiti,” said Mayor Sasai.

Anyone with information or that recognizes the man in the video is asked to contact the Pinole Police Department at (510) 724-1111 or send an email to pdpublic@pinole.gov.