Over the past several months there have been numerous incidents of graffiti in and around the Grants Pass area. The graffiti has been reported by citizens as well as police officers, community service officers, and downtown merchants. The majority of the graffiti has occurred in the central business district of Grants Pass.
On Wednesday, December 19th, patrol officers identified and arrested one of the individuals believed to be responsible for at least seven incidents of graffiti.
Further investigation will take place in order to obtain the monetary damage of the incidents linked to Steven Johnson. The severity of charges may be enhanced based on the total dollar amount of damages to the seven different victims. The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety believes there are additional suspects responsible for other instances of the unlawful application of graffiti in and around Grants Pass. Leads on additional suspects and tips that have come from the public are currently being investigated.
The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety encourages citizens that may have information about individuals, or groups involved in this destructive behavior to contact authorities at 541.450.6260