These Merced County teens are suspects in nearly a dozen vandalism cases
Los Banos police arrested three teens they say tagged multiple businesses in the city's downtown this week.
Police received reports of vandalism about 8:15 p.m. Thursday and headed to the 600 block of I Street, officers said.
An officer found two 19-year-olds, Aaron Gomez Quezada and Gonzalo Carrera, and a 17-year-old boy sitting inside a green Honda Civic, according to police. Inside the car were several spray paint cans, and all three teens had fresh paint on their hands, police said.
The 17-year-old also had a homemade knife, according to police.
The teens were arrested on suspicion of vandalism causing more than $400 in damage and conspiracy to commit a crime. The minor was also arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a dirk or dagger.
The 17-year-old was taken to the Merced County Juvenile Hall, and the adults were booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail, according to police.
Police determined at least 11 different victims in the case, officers said.
Gonzalo's bail was set at $14,000 and Quezada's was set at $24,000, according to jail records.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070, ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or contact the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.
This story was originally published November 3, 2017 at 1:04 PM with the headline "These Merced County teens are suspects in nearly a dozen vandalism cases."