Graffiti Artist Arrested for $70K Worth of Vandalism-Related Damages

Foster City police officers arrested a graffiti artist who was caught vandalizing on a city structure on Sunday night and is allegedly linked to dozens of other vandalism cases. Officers responded at 12:12 a.m. to a report of a suspicious person in Sea Cloud Park.

The three officers discovered a man spray painting graffiti on a storage shed in the park containing city equipment, according to Foster City police spokesman Capt. Frank Derris. The suspect attempted to flee, but officers chased him on foot briefly and were able to detain him. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

Police identified the suspect as Miles Harper, 19, of Foster City. Harper is linked to 21 other vandalism cases since November of last year, including defacing the Foster City Honor Wall, according to Derris. The tag Harper was using in this latest incident indicates that he is responsible for the other cases as well, Derris said. Police booked Harper into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism and resisting arrest. According to police, the City of Foster City will be seeking restitution for the damage caused to city property from Harper, which is estimated to be about $70,000. This case is still under investigation by Foster City police.

Police are asking those who may have any information, who may know the suspect, or are familiar with any of his work to call the Foster City Police Department Detective Bureau at (650) 286-3300 or their tip line at (650) 286-3323.

By Bay City News