| Nature of Incident: |
Suspect Arrested for Graffiti Vandalism Crimes |
| Report Number: |
23-54080 |
| Location: |
Old Telegraph Road / Grand Avenue, Unincorporated area of Ventura County / Fillmore
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| Date & Time: |
May 2, 2023 @ 11:00 PM
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| Unit(s) Responsible: |
Santa Clara Valley Station Patrol, Santa Clara Valley and Ojai Station Detectives
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| (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence
|
Age |
(S) Frankie Lawrence Cantero
|
Fillmore
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25 |
Narrative:
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On May 2, 2023, deputies arrested Frankie Cantero from Fillmore for his involvement in numerous graffiti vandalism crimes. Over the past several months, deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Police Station have seen various graffiti tagging spray painted along Old Telegraph Road. The graffiti consisted of large spray paint tagging on roadway signs, train cars, fences, and road barriers. These vandalisms were reported by many concerned citizens who live in the area.
Deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley Station, along with station detectives began an investigation into these crimes. On April 29, at approximately 11:30 PM, a diligent patrol deputy located a suspicious unoccupied vehicle parked at of Old Telegraph Road and Grand Avenue in the unincorporated area of Ventura County/Fillmore. The deputy also located freshly painted graffiti in the area.
The vehicle was subsequently towed because the registration tags were expired over six months, a violation of Vehicle Code section 22651(O). Deputies conducted an inventory of the contents of the vehicle and located spray paint cans and writings that were consistent with the fresh graffiti in the area. Additionally, deputies located personal items belonging to Frankie Cantero.
On May 2, 2023, Detectives located and arrested Cantero for felony vandalism. Detectives served a search warrant at Cantero’s residence and seized additional evidence linking him to the vandalisms.
Cantero was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he remains in custody with his bail set at $ 10,000.00.
Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left
unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers
thousands of dollars each year.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and
vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. After police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crime is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
For graffiti removal in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, call Ventura County Public Works at (805) 654-2018 M-F 8 AM-5 PM.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling our dispatch center. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes.
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| Prepared by: |
Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell |
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| News Release Date: |
May 2, 2023 |
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| Media Follow-Up Contact: |
Deputy Ramiro Rico
(805) 524-2233
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Approved by:
Booking Photo Release: |
Captain Eduardo Malagon
YES NO |
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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