Cops Nab Six Teens for Graffiti

Santa Barbara police officers last Thursday chased down and detained six teenagers — five boys and one girl, ages 15 to 17 — after they were spotted spray painting a wall along the train tracks near the Junipero Street Footbridge.

According to a police department spokesperson, an officer was stationed on the bridge to assist with security for Vice President Joe Biden during his recent visit to Santa Barbara when he smelled fresh paint and heard the sound of rattling spray cans.

The officer looked toward the railroad tracks, the spokesperson said, “and saw a group of vandals at work, using flashlights to illuminate the 30-foot by 6-foot section of wall they were painting and even stopping briefly to photograph their handiwork.”

Several officers arrived for reinforcement, and they approached the group of teens. Though the juveniles scattered in all directions, officers were able to detain all six after short foot pursuits.

They were released to their parents at police headquarters, and the case has been forwarded to the Juvenile Probation Department for review and the filing of the following misdemeanor charges: vandalism, trespass on railroad property, and resisting or delaying an officer.