SPPD: Graffiti tagger arrested defacing Highway 126 signage

November 12, 2008
Santa Paula Police Department

A graffiti tagger was caught in the act of defacing a Highway 126 sign located at South 10th Street early Sunday morning, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA graffiti tagger was caught in the act of defacing a Highway 126 sign located at South 10th Street early Sunday morning, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman. Sergeant Ryan Smith said the November 9 incident occurred at approximately 3:46 a.m. when Senior Officer Cody Madison was “patrolling in the area of the 300 block of South 10th Street.”Madison “saw a vehicle at the bottom of 126 and 10th Street,” and Senior Officer Ken Clark said when the officer “illuminated the vehicle” with his spotlight he saw a man “standing next to the highway sign.” Upon further investigation, Madison found a black and white sticker with writing from a blue-green grease pencil, also known as a paint pen, on it.Clark said Madison “retrieved the grease pencil, which was the same color” used to deface the sign, and the suspect had “the same color” of paint on his hands. Clark said additional adhesive stickers with the subject’s “prewritten tag name on them” were also found in the subject’s vehicle.
The subject, identified as Robert Hurtado, 21, a resident of Santa Paula, was arrested for vandalism and for possession of vandalism tools. Hurtado was transported to Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.The damage to the sign is estimated at approximately $75.If anyone observes tagging - also known as graffiti - or suspects that tagging is occurring they are urged to call Santa Paula Police at 9-1-1. For the free removal of graffiti call the SPPD Graffiti Hotline, 921-1668.



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