Watsonville police arrest three on graffiti charges with help from residents

On Tuesday, Watsonville police said they’ve been able to arrest three people for graffiti. Police said two juveniles, 14 and 15, were arrested Saturday after a resident reported vandalism near 326 Locust Street.

Officers said the teens were found at their homes. A search of the 15-year-old’s home led them to an unloaded 9 mm pistol along with evidence of graffiti vandalism

Both juveniles were arrested and taken to Juvenile Hall.

On Sunday, officers said Javier Alvarado, 24, was arrested after graffiti was reported at Erik’s Deli in Watsonville. Officers said Alvarado was located after he left the scene, with a black spray paint canister.

Four other areas with graffiti tags were identified by officers and they estimated the damage is about $600. Officers said Alvarado was arrested, cited and released.

Watsonville police said residents who reported the crimes in progress played a major role in making the arrests. The department said it’s actively working to track and investigate taggers.