The United States Department of Justice made a formal apology in a letter to 27-year-old Joshua Connole for arresting him after sport utility vehicles (SUV) were vandalized at dealerships in West Covina, Monrovia, Duarte, and Arcadia. He is now no longer a suspect and lives in Oregon.
Joshua Connole was released due to lack of evidence and the same day, an anonymous caller said he is a member of ELF and is responsible for the attacks on the San Gabriel Valley Hummers and SUVs.
Authorities have released Joshua Connole of Pomona, a suspect in the August 22 vehicle vandalisms labeled by FBI as acts of ecoterrorism. More than $2 million in damage was caused by vandals claiming affiliation with the Earth Liberation Front. High-end sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and other vehicles at the Rusnak Mercedes Benz dealership in Arcadia, Advantage Ford in Monrovia, Clippinger Chevrolet in West Covina, and Duarte Mitsubishi were torched and spray painted.
Authorities are seeking second suspect seen on the dealership tapes. ELF says arrest won't stop them. Related story talks about co-op where suspect Joshua Connole lived.
25 year old Pomona man, Josh Connole, was arrested in connection with the vandalism and arson attacks on high priced SUVs and Hummers at several San Gabriel Valley dealerships.