On October 2nd, 2013, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Transit Services Bureau (TSB), Crime Impact Team (CIT), were conducting a follow up investigation at the Cesar Chavez High School in Los Angeles, California. When they returned to their patrol cars, one had been vandalized. “DFW KUSH” had been permanently etched into the glass of one of the patrol cars.
TSB CIT Team Deputy Grehtel Barraza immediately began to investigate the crime and came upon numerous incidents of graffiti vandalism over the past several years and thousands of dollars of damage, including damage to Metro stations and properties. Barraza’s investigation found that the tagger moniker “KUSH” belonged to a 17 year old male Hispanic, which she was able to trace back to living in Compton, California, and being a student at Cesar Chavez High. On Wednesday May 7th, 2014, TSB CIT Deputies served a search warrant at the home believed to be that of “KUSH.” Several people were detained at the location. A woman who identified herself as the mother of “KUSH,” Claudia Serrano, a 38 year old female Hispanic, confirmed that a 17 year old at the location was “KUSH” and that he was part of a group known as “DFW” “Down for Whatever” or “Down for War.”
“KUSH” admitted to vandalizing the Sheriff’s patrol car and several other crimes. He was booked at the Sheriff’s Century Regional Detention Facility for violation of 594(b)(1) PC – Felony Vandalism, and 186.22(a) PC – Promoting, Furthering, or Assisting in Criminal Conduct by Gang Members, and is being held with no bail because he is a juvenile. Serrano was found to be in possession of what appeared to be Methamphetamine, a large amount of cash, and tools for weighing and distributing illegal drugs for sale. Serrano was charged with 11377(a) H&S - Possession of a Controlled Substance and held on $10,000. Bail.
LA County Child Protective Services were called and determined that a minor child found also living in the home could be released to a relative living in the area. Additional charges could be sought against those arrested. This case remains under investigation.
Deputy Barraza stated, “Any vandalism costs people money, but when you vandalize a police vehicle or property, it shows a complete disregard for the people who are here to protect you and your family. We won’t tolerate it”.
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