Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Centralia police announced they arrested two individuals in their ongoing investigation of an increase in gang-related graffiti in the downtown corridor.
One of them reportedly told officers he was spray painting over existing graffiti not because he was a rival gang member, but because he “.. hate(s) gangs, because they bring the city down and give it a bad name,” according to a news release from the Centralia Police Department.
The department earlier this month began offering cash rewards for tips as they began to see a more graffiti they attributed to the presence of an emerging gang. Graffiti posted by one gang can be a challenge to rival groups, who will then cross out each other’s graffiti as a sign of disrespect, according to police. Chief Bob Berg’s concern is that leads to retaliation, which often leads to violence.
Last Friday, off-duty officers came across two of their suspects and arrested them, according to police.
Officers had identified several suspects based on inquiries with local merchants about purchases of spray paint and also viewing private businesses’ security video in the course of their investigation, according to police.
Arrested for one count each of third-degree malicious mischief were Jeremy M. Barron, 21, and Jalab L. Browning, 18, both Centralia residents, according to Officer John Panco. Panco said he expects additional instances of tagging will be pinned to the young men.
They two were released pending their appearance in Centralia Municipal Court on March 5.
The hunt for other taggers continues.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
What sucks is that i know 1 of the boys and he usually has a good head on his shoulders and he is not bad a person, just made a stupid mistake!!
Why??? Hopefully he will learn his lesson..
Why bother paying for expensive cable to watch CSI when you can do meth, use FreeDial, and make an ass out of yourself for free!
Oh tune in for another episode of. ” csi – gangbusters lewis county”.
Officers had identified several suspects based on inquiries with local merchants about purchases of spray paint and also viewing private businesses’ security video in the course of their investigation, according to police.
Let me guess the Centralia PD obtained all of this Video Footage without a Warrant, they don’t have a problem shutting off cameras without a warrant so why would the 4th ammendment come into play. Civil Rights in Centralia are dead. I’m almost willing to bet the off duty cops were the Lowery’s