Plumber Faces Vandalism Charges for Pouring Acid in a Landscaping Planter
Photo: Farman about to do his deed
SAN RAFAEL— A plumber with prior arrests for vandalism was taken into custody again for allegedly pouring acid inside a landscaping planter. The suspect was identified by surveillance camera video and witnesses.
This vandalism occurred at the Northgate One shopping Center, about four miles away from the suspect’s residence. The suspect was observed November 30 pouring liquid from a jug at approximately 8:30 a.m.
The Marin County Hazardous Waste Response Team removed soil from a planter contaminated with a liquid chemical. It is believed to be muriatic acid, which is typically used for swimming pool maintenance in highly diluted form.
Vapors from the concentrated chemical were observed rising from the planter box. Undiluted muriatic acid is harmful to plants and animals, and in a large quantity it causes death.
Police, firefighters, and the hazardous waste team responded to the incident. Part of the shopping center was closed while the planter was cleaned. Contaminated soil was removed, mixed with a neutralizing agent, and hauled away.
Several hours later, Shahin Farman, a 39-year-old resident of San Rafael, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. He was apprehended at his residence at Northgate Garden Apartments.
Farman was booked into Marin County Jail on felony and misdemeanor vandalism charges. He was previously convicted for vandalism incidents and on probation at the time of his latest arrest.
His prior vandalism incidents occurred in San Rafael and Novato. Acid was poured into the fuel tanks of food bank trucks and on street signs. In addition, Farman has prior DUI alcohol/drug related arrests.
