A Gilroy man called police at 1 a.m. Thursday and told them he saw someone tagging graffiti downtown businesses with a permanent marker.
GPD officers arrived and contacted the suspect, Nathaniel Tyler Luna (19), at Monterey and Sixth streets. Luna ran away and he was caught after a short chase. Luna fought the officers as he was placed into custody. Luna was found in possession of the same type of markers used to vandalize the businesses and his hands were covered in ink, police said.
In all, officers identified 10 downtown businesses that were vandalized with either “NECK MF” of “MF NECK” written in permanent marker. Luna was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for several charges, including felony vandalism, a charge that has a maximum sentence of a year in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Local businesses have said they are overwhelmed by the amount of downtown graffiti and have asked for more enforcement.
In a press release, the department added:
“The Gilroy Police Department recognizes the frustration felt by community members when they are the victims of graffiti vandalism. Reporting people responsible for graffiti greatly aids law enforcement in apprehending the person(s) involved in these crimes and holding them responsible for the damage they cause. Anyone who observes graffiti “taggers” in Gilroy is encouraged to call the Gilroy Police Department at (408) 846-0350.
The Gilroy Police Department would also like to encourage all property owners to clean up graffiti as soon as possible. To report locations of unsightly graffiti, please call the Gilroy Police Graffiti Hotline at (408) 846-0395.”
