Graffiti Tracker helps detectives nab three felony vandalism suspects

Friday, Oct. 25—

Following a five-month investigation of graffiti incidents, three 19-year-old Ramona males were arrested, suspected of felony vandalism, the sheriff’s department reported today.

The investigation of 131 incidents of graffiti that resulted in over $82,000 in damages in Ramona and Poway concluded the week of Oct. 7 when detectives served three search warrants on the group called Making Art Daily (MAD), said Sgt. B. Hout of the sheriff’s Ramona station. The detectives received assistance from the Poway Criminal Apprehension Team.

The three suspects arrested are Cameron Benge, Skylar Paschke and Michael Davis, Hout said.

The investigation utilized a graffiti tracking database called Graffiti Tracker, which assists detectives by documenting graffiti and identifying suspects. MAD members targeted businesses, libraries, churches, schools and private properties, said Hout.

The sergeant said the investigation into the tagging group as well as other tagging groups and gang-related graffiti is ongoing. Anyone with information about MAD or any other tagging group may call the Ramona substation at 760-789-9157 and speak with a detective.