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Chick-fil-A 'Tastes Like Hate' Vandal Not 'motivated by religious hatred,' Will Not Face Felony Charges
Manuel Castro, the Los Angeles artist arrested for vandalizing a Torrance location of the Chick-fil-A fast food chain, will not face felony charges for his crime.The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has declined to file a case against Castro for painting "Tastes like hate" and the image of a cow on the exterior wall of the restaurant, according to City News Service.
Castro took credit for the vandalism in an online interview, explaining that he did it as a means to protest the company president's controversial stance in opposition to same-sex marriage. He was arrested by Torrance Police Department officers several days later, after their investigation confirmed Castro was the suspect.
John Zajec, the head prosecutor in the Torrance office explained why the DA would not pursue charges:
"The amount of the damages appears to be relatively minor involving repainting a section of stucco wall approximately 15 feet long by 12 feet high. The suspect has acknowledged his wrongdoing and offered to make restitution. Finally, the record does not establish the suspect was motivated by religious hatred."
The artist-turned-activist is not completely in the clear; County prosecutors referred the case to the Torrance City Attorney's Office for consideration for a possible misdemeanor charge.
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