Teenager arrested in graffiti probe

A teen suspected of causing thousands of dollars in graffiti vandalism damage to area businesses was arrested Wednesday after a month-long police investigation.

Detectives with the Porterville Police DepartmentÂ’s Special Investigations Unit, conducting a follow-up investigation into several felony vandalism cases, served a search warrant at about 2 p.m. in the 100 block of West Thurman Avenue.

Prior to the search, investigators had linked the 17-year-old teen to a local graffiti tagging crew, police said. The teen is suspected of being responsible for committing more than 24 felony graffiti vandalism attacks, including cases in the areas of Main Street and Henderson Avenue.

The combined damage caused by the tagging was estimated at more than $8,000.

During the search of the teenÂ’s home, detectives reportedly found evidence linking the suspect to the various cases and a conspiracy with others allegedly involved in the incidents.

The juvenile was arrested and booked on suspicion of 24 counts of felony vandalism, violation of probation and conspiracy. The teen was being held without bail in the countyÂ’s Juvenile Detention Facility.

Investigators have identified several other suspects in the graffiti cases, police report, and more arrests are expected.

Anyone with information about the graffiti vandalism cases is asked to call Detective Marcial Morales or Detective Sonia Silva at 782-7400.