Mercer Island Police Seek Community Assistance in Identifying Suspects

January 10, 2025 - As part of its investigation into hate-based vandalism that occurred at the Islander Middle School campus, the Mercer Island Police Department is asking the public to help identify two suspects. 

On January 1, 2025, two individuals trespassed onto the Islander Middle School grounds and defaced numerous exterior windows and walls with antisemitic and racist symbols and phrases. The Mercer Island Police Department is investigating this incident as a hate crime.   

Suspect 1: During the crime, this individual was wearing a black balaclava covering his nose and mouth, camouflaged pants, and a very distinctive jacket manufactured by PacSun. The jacket is listed as ‘Paradise Varsity Bomber Jacket’ and can be seen in the photos on the right. Additional surveillance photos were gathered showing the suspect without face coverings.

Suspect 2: During the crime, this individual was wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, dark colored sweatpants, and had either a red face mask or bandana over his nose and mouth. Additional surveillance photos were gathered showing the suspect without face coverings.

We ask anyone who may have information or may recognize these persons to contact the Mercer Island Police Department. You can report any tips by email (mipdtips@mercerisland.gov) or by calling 206-275-7955.  

All tips will be followed up on and kept anonymous. If you have any details that could be helpful, please contact the department. 

The investigation remains ongoing and additional updates will be provided when available. The Mercer Island Police Department sincerely appreciates the community's assistance.