A 15-year-old boy with ties to a San Marcos street gang has confessed to 90 graffiti incidents after his recent arrest, authorities said Tuesday.
The unnamed teen was arrested May 2 by deputies assigned to the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station Community Policing Unit, accused of tagging in Vista and the San Elijo area of San Marcos, said sheriff’s Sgt. Matt Blumenthal.
The graffiti, with damage estimated at almost $24,000, consisted of a black marker being used to tag the suspect’s monikers — identified as “SMILEZ,” “SMILES” and “SMILE,” Blumenthal said.
Currently in custody for a prior probation violation, the boy was interviewed at Juvenile Hall and confessed to his participation in the graffiti. The investigation is ongoing.
Deputies used Graffiti Tracker software in their investigation.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to call the Sheriff’s Department nonemergency line at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
