The person responsible for graffiti vandalism at the Rialto Theatre, 4th Avenue and other downtown businesses is in custody. The suspect, 20-year-old Andres Leon-Valenzuela, is in custody.
Graffiti Unit Ofc. Rigo Egurrola and Ofc. Steve Placencia have been working since the intial report of graffiti last month to identify and apprehend the person or persons responsible for various acts of graffiti in the 4th Avenue and Downtown area. They were able to identify the graffiti as saying “Nigel”.
As the officers continued to work through the investigation, they learned of a total of 17 other acts of graffiti vandalism that had to be cleaned up since November 2015 to include an incident in the 300 block E. 6th St. from early this month. The damage and clean up costs are estimated over $5,000 for all of the incidents.
On Thursday, the squad served a search warrant in the 300 block of N. Santa Rita Ave. where they located Mr. Leon-Valenzuela and various items of evidence related to the crimes. In addition, they located narcotic drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Mr. Leon-Valenzuela was arrested on the following charges:
Intentional Vandalism, a Class 5 Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Drug, a Class 4 Felony
Possession of Marijuana, a Class 6 Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Class 6 Felony
He was transported and booked into the Pima County Jail. His booking photograph has been provided.