Full Notification

On March 4, 2014, Sergeant Jesse Ceja identified a sixth juvenile suspect responsible for area graffiti. The 15-year-old male was charged for his involvement in the February 16, 2014, graffiti vandalism to a wall near the intersection of Overland Avenue and North Street. Additionally, the juvenile has been charged in at least seven other area vandalisms.

The juvenile and his mother were both cited for violations of the City’s curfew and graffiti ordinances. The juvenile and his mother are facing more than $3,400 in administrative fines.

“The Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Our goal is to maintain a clean, safe and healthy environment for our citizens.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

**Original Press Release - February 26, 2014**

Suspects Arrested in Graffiti Vandalisms
On February 8, 2014 at approximately 12:06 a.m., Los Banos Police Officers responded to Skylark Park regarding vandalism in progress. A witness called police to report juveniles vandalizing the city well station and restrooms at Skylark Park with graffiti.

Officers arrived at the scene and several juveniles fled from officers on foot. Officers apprehended and arrested 18-year-old, Nicholas Leon of Los Banos and two male juveniles, age 16, in connection with the vandalism. The suspects were charged with vandalism, conspiracy to commit a crime and participation in a criminal street gang. Leon was booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail Facility. The juvenile suspects were issued citations and released to parents.

“This is another example of the community working with law enforcement to stop criminal activity. In this case had the citizen not called police, we’d likely be taking yet another vandalism report without being able to hold those responsible, accountable for their actions.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander

On February 16, 2014 at approximately 2:07 a.m., Sergeant Elias Reyes was patrolling the 200 block of Citrus Avenue, when he observed two juveniles attempting to hide from him. The juveniles ran but were ultimately apprehended by the sergeant with the help of Officer Alfonso Flores. When the juveniles were searched officers located spray paint cans in their possession.

Officers located a large amount of spray paint graffiti on a wall near the intersection of Overland Avenue and North Street. The juveniles cooperated with police and admitted their involvement in the vandalism.

In this case both juveniles were arrested for vandalism and later released to parents.

Sergeant Jesse Ceja conducted an extensive follow up investigation, connecting and identifying the juvenile suspects as the responsible parties in at least seven other incidents of graffiti around Los Banos.

“Graffiti is not a victimless crime; it is a crime against not only the property owner but the public as a whole. Graffiti causes thousands of dollars in damage annually and destroys the appearance of our community. The police department takes a zero tolerance stance towards those who choose to deface our city and we will pursue prosecution to the full extent of the law.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander

In addition to criminal charges, the Department has issued more than $6,500.00 in administrative fines for violations of the municipal code in these two cases. Additionally, the City is seeking restitution in the amount of $3,000.00 in the criminal case for cleanup costs associated with the graffiti. In each of these cases the parent or guardian of the responsible juveniles were issued citations for, duty of parents and guardians to prevent curfew violations and graffiti prohibited.

“In both cases we’ve put the parents on notice that they need to know their child’s whereabouts at night and I hope this helps send a message to the youth of our community, when you commit a crime like this, not only will you face consequences for your actions but so will your parents. And in this case it’s likely to cost each juvenile’s parents upwards of $3,000.00”
-Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org