Gang Graffiti Artists Caught Red-Handed, Thanks to an Alert Citizen
HOLLISTER – Graffitti is a messy business. Besides a handful of legal reasons against attempting it, the artistic expression can draw unwanted attention. Case in point: Three so called artists were outed for spraying their latest masterpiece all over a local school on June 10th.
At 11:51 PM, Hollister PD Officers responded to citizen’s call regarding a “Graffiti in Progress.” Three males were reportedly covering the walls of Sunnyslope Elementary School.
Officers arrived on-scene to three males leaving the area. The suspects matched the citizen’s descriptions, and were caught red-handed.
“Officers conducted further investigation and noted there was fresh gang graffiti located at the school and at a nearby address,” said Hollister PD. “Matching paint was on the suspects’ hands.”
With fistfuls of colorful evidence, officers arrested two Hollister men and a juvenile. Julio Grivalba was charged with vandalism. Romeo Beltran, with an outstanding warrant, was also charged with vandalism.
The anonymous male juvenile was cited for vandalism and released to his parents.
Kudos go out to the citizen who came forward and helped the PD apprehend the individuals responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hollister PD at (831) 636-4330. To remain anonymous call WeTip (800) 78-CRIME. NOTE: Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
