Veterans Memorial vandalized in Calexico

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) - The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is asking the community for help after the Veterans Memorial monument was vandalized.

A video from law enforcement revealed a man who police believe is responsible of vandalizing the Veterans Memorial monument located on Heber Avenue and East Seventh Street, right next to Calexico City Hall.

CPD say more than one hundred plaques were removed from the monument's wall.

"We believe the suspect might be recycling the metal value of the plaques. We are currently investigating that at the moment," said Luis Daniel Sandoval with CPD.

CPD say they are currently in communication with recycling businesses in the city.

A local says he was out for a run on Friday and saw that some plaques were missing.

"They started with a few plaques and then they got bold and then they got some more plaques and then later on they just cleaned us out on the weekend," said George Rashid, who called the police.

Rashid says he has family members whose names are on those plaques, and one of those is his son who served.

"I was kind of disbelieving at first and then it just got me mad...I have no good words about it but it really ticked me off like my dad was saying you know you think it something its going to be there forever then it's just gone and its gone for no good reason," said Rashid's son, who is also named George.

CPD say the suspect will be charged with grand theft, and if you have any information, call CPD.