Mosque vandalism arrest made

A vandalism incident at a Muslim mosque in Westminster on Wednesday has led to the arrest of a Santa Ana man.

According the WPD, Ernesto Martinez, 40, was charged with a civil rights violation, felony vandalism and violation of probation.

The incident began when officers responded at about 7:50 a.m. to a report of vandalism at the Al Noor Foundation mosque, 14522 Goldenwest St.  The suspect attempted to flee the area but was found and arrested without incident.

The investigation that followed indicated that Martinez had allegedly used a gallon-sized paint can to hit the front door several times and then threw paint from the can onto the glass entry doors and nearby ground area.

After being detained, Martinez allegedly made an “inflammatory” religious statement about why he had attacked the mosque.  He was also found to be on post-release community supervision and was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have relevant information is asked to call the WPD at (714) 548-3212.