Suspect Arrested In Rash Of Graffiti Vandalism In Naugatuck: PD

NAUGATUCK, CT — A 25-year-old Naugatuck man was arrested on a warrant last week charging him with multiple counts of criminal mischief and other violations in connection with a months-long rash of graffiti vandalism throughout the borough, according to authorities.

Christian Manouse, of Rough Wing Road, is a suspect in dozens of tagging incidents, and was charged with the following:

• Burglary, 3rd Degree (1 Count)
• Criminal Mischief, 2nd Degree (2 Counts)
• Damage to Railroad Property, 3rd Degree (8 Counts)
• Criminal Mischief, 3rd Degree (58 Counts)
• Criminal Trespass, 3rd Degree (2 Counts)
• Trespass of Railroad Property (2 Counts)

Naugatuck police said the department began investigating numerous graffiti complaints throughout several areas of the borough in November, "including Duchess Restaurant, several Route 8 overpasses, the basketball courts at Linden park, and the water tower on Maple Hill Road.

Also tagged were the Naugatuck Event Center, the Naugatuck Transfer Station, Veoila Water Station, Bushka Lumber, and numerous other locations in Naugatuck.

"To date, approximately 45 tags of similar design have been discovered all over town," police said. (see the Facebook post below)

Manouse was identified as a suspect after "an extensive and through [sic] investigation by dayshift Officer Fortin."

Naugatuck police arrested Manouse on Feb. 22 as he was scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on unrelated charges.

"The Naugatuck Police Department would like to recognize the good police work and lengthy ongoing investigation completed by Officer Fortin," authorities said. "We take graffiti and quality of life crimes seriously because they can have a huge negative impact on the members in our community and their way of life. Graffiti, tagging and other actions that deteriorate the appearance of our community will not be tolerated.

"Let's keep the Borough beautiful for all those who live, work and visit!"