Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2008

Police arrest 16-year-old on eight counts of vandalism

"Bosser" may be out of work. A 16-year-old boy was arrested Monday on eight felony counts of vandalism, stemming from multiple graffiti incidents in Livingston and Delhi.

A joint investigation between Livingston police officer Anthony Bleha and Merced County Sheriff's Department Deputy Fred Robinson led to the arrest of the boy responsible for tagging Delhi school buses and the sheriff's substation.

Deputy Tom MacKenzie, department spokesman, said officers were able to narrow down their search and identify the responsible. The juvenile used the moniker "Bosser" and admitted responsibility for several vandalism incidents.

MacKenzie said the boy was booked into Merced County Juvenile Hall on eight felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of vandalism and obstructing a peace officer in the line of duty. Bleha said they are looking into gang ties for the teen and are validating the group of taggers he belongs to as an official illicit street gang.

Investigation is ongoing, and more charges are expected to be added as the case continues. It is expected both the city of Livingston and Merced County will seek financial reimbursement for the graffiti damage from the suspect, MacKenzie said.

-- Doane Yawger