Vandalism Incidents Soar in Downtown San Antonio as Trio Arrested for Graffiti Spree

Vandalism Strikes Downtown San Antonio

San Antonio was shaken last Friday night when a man and two teenagers were caught in the act of vandalizing at least 14 locations in the downtown area. The incident unfolded around 10:39 p.m. when officers from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) received reports about graffiti in progress on the 100 block of East Houston.

Quick Response from SAPD

Thanks to the vigilant eyes of witnesses who spotted the trio as they were spray-painting, police were able to arrive on the scene quickly. Upon arriving, officers were guided directly to the suspects, who were still holding cans of spray paint. This timely intervention allowed them to apprehend the trio without further incident.

Who Were the Suspects?

The suspects in this damaging spree included 29-year-old Johnny Morillos III and two teenagers, aged 16 and 15. They now face charges for their vandalism, which SAPD classified as causing damages of over $2,500 but less than $30,000. That’s quite a significant range of damage and has certainly caused some upset among local businesses and residents.

Locations Affected

As SAPD began investigating, they identified a number of vandalized locations on key streets like East Houston Street, West Houston Street, East Commerce Street, and St. Mary’s Street. Among these sites, the San Antonio City Tower was notably one of the marks of their mischief. It’s unfortunate that such a beautiful landmark became a target of graffiti.

Video Evidence Catches the Action

What made this situation even more definitive for the police was the surveillance footage from several businesses in the area. These videos captured the suspects in action, adding crucial evidence that will be used in the legal proceedings against them. As any good detective would tell you, video evidence can be a game changer in cases like this.

Additional Arrests and Discoveries

In addition to the graffiti charges, Morillos III had an outstanding felony narcotics warrant, which the police quickly acted upon during the arrest. Talk about a busy night for the SAPD! It’s a classic case of a few decisions that might change the course of their lives, especially for the younger suspects.

Reporting Vandalism

Vandalism can be incredibly frustrating for communities, especially when it targets beloved landmarks and local businesses. SAPD encourages anyone who spots graffiti or any other suspicious activity to call in the information. You can reach them at 210-207-6000 or 210-207-7273. It’s important for all of us to keep our neighborhoods safe and beautiful!

Conclusion

As we reflect on this incident, it’s a reminder of the need for community vigilance. Although some might find graffiti cool or edgy, it often comes with significant costs to taxpayers and local businesses. San Antonio residents hope this incident serves as a wake-up call, not just for potential vandals but for the community to come together to discourage such destructive behavior. Let’s all work towards keeping our city clean and vibrant!