Philadelphia Police Need Help Identifying Suspect In 5th District Vandalism Case [Watch Video]

PHILADELPHIA — Police in Northwest Philadelphia are asking for the public’s help to identify the person responsible for institutional vandalism and hate speech at a local high school earlier this month.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department’s Northwest Detective Division, the incident occurred on January 4, 2026, at approximately 5:25 a.m. The offender targeted Roxborough High School, located at 6498 Ridge Ave, where he spray-painted racist slogans on the exterior walls.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspect approaching the school on foot, heading eastbound on Fountain Street toward Pechin Street. He began vandalizing the exterior walls before moving toward the back of the school to inflict further damage. The suspect was last seen fleeing in the direction of Ridge Ave.

Investigators urge anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect to contact the Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353/3354, or submit an anonymous tip to the Philadelphia Police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

[tags]Philadelphia Police Department, Northwest Detectives, Roxborough High School, institutional vandalism, hate speech, vandalism, Ridge Avenue, Northwest Philadelphia[/tags]

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