VISTA — A probation compliance check landed a man in jail after evidence relating to graffiti was seized from his residence and authorities charged him with 231 counts of felony vandalism Aug. 18.
Christopher Martinez, 19, was on probation for robbery when deputies assigned to the department’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit arrested him for suspicion of the hundreds of counts of graffiti vandalism.
The city estimates the damages stemming from the acts Martinez is charged with to be approximately $100,423, according to Sgt. Joe Mata, of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Common graffiti targets include street signs, fences, utility poles, junction boxes, city trash bins and block walls, according to the sheriff’s department.
To report graffiti anywhere within the city of Vista, call the Graffiti Hotline at (760) 726-1340, ext. 1611.
Citizens may be eligible for up to $1,000 in reward money for providing information that leads to the conviction of a person involved in graffiti activities.
If suspicious activity is witnessed, or to report information regarding graffiti, contact the Vista Sheriff’s Department at (760) 940-4551.
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