EVERETT — Police believe an Everett High School student is the prolific tagger behind a long trail of graffiti in north Everett.
Officers in recent months found more than 50 tags in downtown and north Everett with the moniker “NAMS*ERA,” which they believe is the teen’s handiwork.
In mid-January, a homeowner in the 2000 block of Lombard Avenue called 911 and described a young man tagging a nearby street sign.
Officer Robert Edmonds found the suspect as he was leaving a church that had just been tagged on a window.
The teen was detained and allegedly admitted to the tagging, Everett police officer Aaron Snell said. The EHS student reportedly explained that his tag begins with his nickname “NAMS,” includes a star for design and ends with “ERA” for “erasol” spray paint, although the conventional spelling is aerosol.
He later showed the officer more of his tags throughout north Everett. He was released to a parent with an explanation of the pending criminal process, Snell said.
Roughly 15 minutes later, Edmonds saw the teen walking in the 1500 block of 20th Street. The youth tried to run off, but was taken to the school resource officer at Everett High School. The school officer recognized the tag signature from similar graffiti sprayed on school property.
Officers with the Downtown Bike Unit also recognized the tag signature from their investigations. All cases were sent to a detective for a follow-up investigation, which will be forwarded to prosecutors for review and potential charges.
Reports indicate the teen may be responsible for between 50 and 100 tags throughout north Everett with an estimated cost to fix the damage at more than $5,000.
Police Lt. Bob Marshall praised his officer’s work and said the investigation is continuing.
“These crimes are quality-of-life issues that impact not only our business community, but our neighborhoods as well,” he said.
Police believe the suspect is connected with another teen tagger in north Everett.
Anyone with similar tagging complaints is asked to call the Everett Police Department tip line at 425-257-8450.
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