Man arrested for gang graffiti Man arrested for gang graffiti
Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin HeraldA man was arrested Wednesday night after spray painting gang-related graffiti on several downtown Moses Lake businesses.
16 Moses Lake
businesses damaged
MOSES LAKE - A man was arrested after tagging 16 buildings with gang graffiti in downtown Moses Lake Wednesday night.
Jorge Gomez-Velazquez, 23, was arrested for malicious mischief in the first degree and warrants concerning driving under the influence of alcohol and a Department of Corrections order.
A Moses Lake officer saw Gomez-Velazquez running from an alleyway near Alder Street, Capt. Dave Ruffin said. The officer reportedly witnessed the suspect throw a spray paint can on the ground.
The officer located several buildings with similar graffiti that was done the same night, he noted.
Graffiti was located at the Boys & Girls Club, Calico Cat Thrift Store, Calvary Chapel, Ciao Bella, Columbia Basin Herald, Consolidated Electrical Supply, Desert Development, Farmers Insurance, Furniture West, Grant County Public Utility District, Hang Out Tavern, Mattress Outlet, Mi Carniceria, Paramount Supply, Teddy Bear Car Wash, The Home Center and The Nickel Saver.
Gomez-Velazquez reportedly told police he is a transient. Ruffin said Moses Lake police made contact with him in 2003 concerning an unrelated incident. He said it's possible he lives in Moses Lake but does not have a permanent address.
Ruffin said he did not know what gang the graffiti was affiliated with and it does not appear to be local.
Lee Blackwell manages a building in the 200 block of West Third Avenue that was spray painted Wednesday night.
He said this kind of vandalism disrupts the business community a great deal because it causes unexpected expenses and speaks poorly about the community.
"If I had my way, I'd run (them) out of town," Blackwell said.
He said police are doing the right thing by catching vandals but suggested imposing a fine for graffiti-related crimes in addition to jail time.
Ruffin said more business owners are expected to report graffiti as it is discovered. Graffiti can be reported to Detective Juan Rodriguez at 509-766-9230.
EDITOR'S NOTE - We do not knowingly print gang signs. The words painted on the door are not a recognized gang tag, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.