San Francisco police arrest graffiti taggers defacing city property

SAN FRANCISCO, California — San Francisco police officers have arrested three individuals suspected of vandalizing various properties across the city, according to Chief Bill Scott. The arrests took place between October 10 and October 12, targeting suspects caught in the act of graffiti tagging.On October 10, 2024, officers from Mission Station detained 34-year-old Anders McLeland, of San Francisco, after observing him defacing a business window on the 3300 block of 24th Street with a permanent marker. McLeland is suspected of using the graffiti tag "ASPECT," stated the San Francisco Police Department.The following day, officers from Ingleside Station responded to a report of vandalism near San Jose and St. Marys Avenue. They arrested 49-year-old Matthew Schular, of San Francisco, after he was found with paint cans and had been struck by a MUNI LRV while tagging. Schular is believed to use the graffiti name "URBAN."On October 12, 2024, Southern Station officers apprehended 37-year-old Joel James, of San Francisco, on the 500 block of 10th Street. James was caught tagging property with spray paint and is suspected of using the graffiti name "ECKS."All three suspects were charged with misdemeanor vandalism, while Schular and James also faced charges for possession of graffiti tools. The investigations remain open, and the SFPD encourages anyone with information to contact them at 1-415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, beginning the message with SFPD.Chief Bill Scott expressed gratitude for the officers' efforts, stating, "I want to thank our officers for catching these prolific vandals and assisting in holding them accountable for their actions." He emphasized the importance of reporting vandalism to deter future crimes and encouraged property owners to file police reports if they are victims of graffiti.