Fourth teen arrested in graffiti ring case

Published 10:50 pm Friday, August 10, 2007

MONROE – Spray paint and permanent markers were their tools. Buildings were their canvas. Vandalism, their trade.

Now, four Monroe teenagers are facing possible felony charges for being part of an alleged graffiti gang.

On Thursday, Monroe police arrested the fourth teenager, the last of the group that police believe is responsible for thousands of dollars of damage.

The arrests began on June 14 when police arrested a 16-year-old boy, believed to be a part of the graffiti ring, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said.

A confidential informant led police to that boy, Willis said. They then used shoe prints and police photographs to build a case against the boy, according to court documents.

Through interviews, police were led to three accomplices, she said.

On June 19 and 20, two more 16-year-old boys were arrested as part of the group.

Thursday night, police arrested the fourth teenager, Willis said. He was hanging out in a city park with a couple of the other boys who had been arrested.

The 18-year-old appeared in court Friday. A judge ordered him released and banned him from using spray paint.

While graffiti sometimes is linked to national and international criminal gangs, these teenagers were hangout pals and not associated with other criminal activity, Willis said.

Since the arrests began, Monroe has had a few graffiti incidents, but not like before, Willis said.

Cleaning up graffiti can be costly. Last year, Everett spent nearly $15,000 to clean up graffiti at three parks. It cost about $4,000 to clean up the Marysville Skate Park last summer.

Monroe city officials passed an ordinance this year to crack down on graffiti. Among other restrictions, the law requires property owners to quickly cover up graffiti.

A similar law was adopted in Marysville.

Willis said the public can help police fight graffiti.

People should call police immediately to report vandalism. Officers photograph incidents and keep a database for future investigations.

“We understand the impact of graffiti to these businesses and homeowners and absolutely will not tolerate it in Monroe,” Willis said.

Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.