Teen suspect reported missing prior to mosque attack in San Diego | NBC 7

NBC 7 San Diego

3,204 views • yesterday

Video Summary

Law enforcement identified two teenage suspects, 17-year-old Kane Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez, following a multi-scene investigation. The breakthrough came when one suspect's mother reported him missing, initially citing suicidal intentions. However, further details, including the disappearance of several weapons and a vehicle, and the suspects being dressed in camouflage, raised alarms and prompted a broader investigation. Investigators are also examining potential anti-Islamic writings found in the suspects' vehicle, a 2018 BMW X1, where they were eventually found. One of the suspects, Kane Clark, was enrolled in the district's virtual online school since 2021 and did not physically attend Madison High School.

One of the most critical pieces of information that shifted the investigation from a missing person case to a broader threat was the realization that a suicidal individual would not typically steal multiple weapons and a vehicle.

Short Highlights

Two teenage suspects, 17-year-old Kane Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez, were identified.
One suspect's mother initially tipped off police, reporting her son missing and suicidal.
Additional information, including the disappearance of several weapons and a vehicle, along with the suspects being dressed in camouflage, elevated the perceived threat level.
Investigators are examining potential anti-Islamic writings found in the suspects' 2018 BMW X1.
Kane Clark was enrolled in the district's virtual online school since 2021 and did not physically attend Madison High School.

Key Details

Suspects Identified and Initial Tip-Off [00:02]

The two teenage suspects were identified as 17-year-old Kane Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez.
A crucial piece of information came from one of the suspect's mothers, who first alerted the police that something was not right.
The mother reported her son missing, initially stating he was suicidal.

"And the newest information, the newest information, oh, the newest information that we learned uh from that news conference was that police were tipped off about something two hours before when one of the suspects' mothers reported her son missing."

Escalation of Threat Level [01:38]

Police Chief Scott Wall noted that a suicidal individual would not typically take three weapons from a location.
This observation, coupled with other information, indicated that the situation required a broader investigation.
The mother provided additional details: several weapons were missing from her home, as was her vehicle, and her son was with a companion dressed in camouflage.
This description was deemed inconsistent with someone who is suicidal.

"She believed her son was suicidal. And she began to share information that seve- several of her weapons were missing. Her vehicle was missing in addition to her son."

Vehicle and Potential Motives [01:27]

An aerial view showed the suspects' vehicle was a 2018 BMW X1.
Investigators are examining possible anti-Islamic writings found inside the BMW, according to senior law enforcement officials.
Chief Wahl did not confirm or provide further details on these writings.

"And that is not consistent with what we would typically see from somebody that is suicidal."

Suspect's Educational Background [03:27]

Police learned that one of the suspects had a tie to Madison High School.
San Diego Unified confirmed that Kane Clark was not a student and did not physically attend Madison High School.
However, since 2021, Clark has been enrolled in and attending the district's virtual online school.