3 Arrests Made in Racist Vandalism

A Fountain Hills family woke up Sunday to discover swastikas, references to the Ku Klux Klan, and obscene images spray-painted on their cars. But that wasn't the first time.

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Wednesday, Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced that some teens are in jail for what some are calling a hate crime.

The first reported vandalism case in Fountain Hills happened back in July. Nothing ever came of it, until it happened again. Monday, MCSO offered a $5,000 reward to catch the vandals.

And Wednesday, three young people were arrested. Covering his face in shame, this 18-year-old was walked into 4th Ave Jail.

Alex Castellanos and two friends are accused of defacing at least seven cars in Fountain Hills with the letters "KKK," images of male genitalia, and swastikas.

"Hate is taught. You're not born with hatred," says Gloria Simon, whose car was vandalized. "I hope that this will turn them around and they will have a better insight into what they have done."

Two of the Jabers' vehicles were marked with graffiti. "Nothing was being done about this. Something had to be done," says Michele Jaber.

In a community meeting Wednesday night, the city of Fountain Hills came together. Hundreds of residents, along with city, school, and spiritual leaders, attended the gathering.

That's when Sheriff Arpaio made the announcement. "I'm glad to announce this afternoon we arrested the people responsible."

The two other boys arrested are 15 and 17 years ol -- their names have not being released.

The son of one of the victims tipped off police. He and a friend figured it out, and went to authorities. When confronted, MCSO says the boys confessed.