Watsonville Police Arrest Man Suspected Of More Than 100 Tagging Incidents

WATSONVILLE (CBS SF) -- A "prolific" graffiti artist who's believed to be responsible for more than 100 instances of vandalism in Watsonville alone was arrested at his home Thursday afternoon, according to police.

Gilbert Barrios, 18, also known as KATS, was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism after several months of investigation by the Watsonville Police Department.

A search of his vehicle turned up spray paint, specialty spray-tips for spray paint cans, gloves, backpacks containing "tagging kits" and marijuana, according to police.

He's believed to have vandalized numerous commercial establishments in Watsonville, sometimes more than once. Some victims have reported more than $1,000 in damage associated with the cleanup effort, according to police.

Vandalism
Crime