Kent Police assisted a Seattle detective in apprehending a prolific graffiti vandal during a high-risk traffic stop on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
The suspect, a 31-year-old Tacoma man, is wanted in Seattle for multiple felony counts of vandalism, specifically for extensive graffiti tagging across the city, according to Kent Police.
The Seattle Police detective, who had probable cause to arrest the man on felony charges of second-degree malicious mischief, was following the suspect’s vehicle in Kent when he unexpectedly encountered him. Traveling alone, the detective requested backup from Kent Police for the traffic stop. Kent officers assisted with the stop, and the suspect was detained without incident.
Following the arrest, Kent Police secured the suspect’s vehicle and transported it to their station while the Seattle detective obtained a search warrant. The subsequent search yielded significant evidence, including four firearms, graffiti tools, and a rappelling harness believed to be used by the suspect to access difficult-to-reach tagging locations.
Among the items seized was a copy of Vandal Squad, a book by former NY Transit Police Officer Joseph Rivera, who led efforts to curb graffiti vandalism in New York. Police speculate that the suspect was using the book to study tactics for avoiding capture.
Kent Police praised the cooperation between departments, noting that they are always prepared to assist other agencies in bringing suspects to justice.
“Nice job by Sergeant Stewart’s crew in backing Seattle, and a good message to criminals who are passing through our town that we are always up to help get a bad guy into custody, regardless of where they committed the crime,” Kent Police said in a statement.
