Full Notification

On Friday, 10-12-2018, Mr. Jason Galisatus notified the Redwood City Police Department that he felt he was a targeted victim of a hate crime. Mr. Galisatus is a candidate for Redwood City Council and attached one of his candidacy signs on the perimeter fence of his apartment building adjacent to a public sidewalk. When Mr. Galisatus noticed his sign was no longer attached to the fence, he found the sign on the ground at the base of the fence. Facing the street on the opposite side of the fence was spray panted wording he believed was directed at him. The spray painted wording appeared to Mr. Galisatus to say “#Gay.”

Upon receiving this information, the Redwood City Police Department immediately initiated a criminal investigation and the matter was treated as a hate crime. During the investigation the area surrounding the scene was canvassed for evidence, surveillance video and witnesses. As the spray painted graffiti was faded, detectives utilized a variety of digital technologies to assist with the investigation. Ultimately detectives discovered via Google Maps that the spray paint was present on the fence for several months prior to Mr. Galisatus moving to the address or noticing it. Additionally, because of the faded and weathered condition of the wording, detectives could not confirm whether the wording read: “#GAY,” or “#GAU,” or “#GAV”; and all three of these hashtags are used widely on social media. With regard to the campaign sign, it appears that it was either taken down intentionally or fell due to wind or other weather conditions. There was no evidence of damage or defacement of the sign.

The Redwood City Police Department takes all reports of hate crimes seriously and investigates them with the thoroughness and sensitivity this type of crime warrants. Although the initial appearance of the scene could lead a reasonable person to believe a hate crime may have occurred, based on the evidence of this investigation the Police Department does not believe the graffiti was targeted towards Mr. Galisatus. As such, this investigation will be closed.

If you have additional information or evidence regarding this particular case, please contact Detective Sergeant Ed Conover at [email protected].

Persons with information about this case or any other case who wish to remain anonymous may leave messages at 1-800-222-TIPS, or send the information online at www.BayareaCrimestoppers.org.

This message is approved for distribution by John Gunderson, Investigations Lieutenant.