Detroit police issue arrest warrant for street artist Shepard Fairey

DETROIT -- Detroit police have issued an arrest warrant for prominent street artist Shepard Fairey after they say he tagged buildings across the city with graffiti.

The Detroit Free Press reports the warrant was filed Friday on two counts of malicious destruction of property. Police say while Fairey was in Detroit to complete a commissioned mural, he caused about $9,000 in damage to other structures.

Police say Fairey, who created the "Hope" poster that came to symbolize President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, would be arrested if he returns to Detroit and doesn't turn himself in.

Police Sgt. Rebecca McKay says Fairey's fame "does not take away the fact that he is also a vandal."

A representative for Fairey told the newspaper Fairey was out of the country and that a representative would comment later.