SFPD Arrests Graffiti Taggers Observed Defacing the City 24-122
San Francisco Police Officers arrested three separate active vandalism suspects for tagging businesses, residences, parks, and city property throughout the city, Chief Bill Scott announced Wednesday.
The arrests occurred between October 10 and October 12, when hard-working SFPD officers caught the suspects vandalizing property with spray paint and permanent markers.
“I want to thank our officers for catching these prolific vandals and assisting in holding them accountable for their actions,” said Chief Bill Scott. “There’s no excuse for destroying another person’s property and causing blight to our communities. Hopefully, these grown adults committing these crimes will one day learn to use their creativity in positive and productive ways.”
On October 10, 2024, officers from Mission Station were patrolling the 3300 block of 24th Street when they observed a male suspect actively defacing a large display window of a business. Officers detained the adult male and discovered that the suspect had vandalized the property with a permanent marker. Officers developed probable cause to arrest 34-year-old Anders McLeland from San Francisco.
Mcleland is suspected of using the graffiti tag “ASPECT”.
On October 11, 2024, officers from Ingleside Station responded to the area of San Jose and St. Mary’s Avenue in regard to a trespasser vandalizing Muni property. Officers arrived on scene and were advised that an unknown suspect was observed beginning to tag the area and was struck by a MUNI LRV after several alerts were given to notify the individual to move. Officers located the individual in the area and detained the suspect. Officers discovered and seized paint cans at the scene. The adult male suspect was medically evaluated at a local hospital. Officers developed probable cause to arrest 49-year-old Matthew Schular from San Francisco.
Schular is a prolific tagger suspected of using the graffiti name “URBAN”.
On October 12, 2024, officers from Southern Station were patrolling the 500 block of 10th Street when an officer observed a suspect actively “tagging” property in the area. Officers detained the adult male suspect and seized spray paint cans as evidence. Officers developed probable cause to arrest 37-year-old Joel James from San Francisco.
James is a prolific tagger and is suspected of using the graffiti name “ECKS”.
Mcleland, Schular, and James were arrested for misdemeanor vandalism. Schuler and James were charged with the possession of graffiti tools.
While arrests have been made, these incidents are open and active investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.
The department’s response to graffiti begins with vehicle and foot beat officers on patrol. The presence of these officers serves as a deterrent to those intent on committing crimes. When instances of vandalism do occur, it is important that property owners or managers file police reports. If you are the victim of graffiti crime or have information on graffiti investigations, please contact the SFPD Non-emergency line at 3-1-1 or contact the SFPD Graffiti Abatement Unit at [email protected].
To learn more about the SFPD's Graffiti Abatement Unit and what you should do when vandalism occurs, visit the Graffiti Abatement webpage.
SFPD Case: #240639534, #240639982, #240642098