San Francisco police recently apprehended three individuals deemed “prolific” graffiti vandals, whose tags have marred various businesses, residences, and parks throughout the city. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the arrests occurred between October 10 and 12, involving 34-year-old Anders McLeland, 49-year-old Matthew Schular, and 37-year-old Joel James. Investigators allege that these men are responsible for graffiti under the aliases “Aspect,” “Urban,” and “Ecks.”
The police reported that just prior to their arrests, these suspects were spotted defacing property using spray paint or permanent markers. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott expressed his concerns, stating, “There’s no excuse for vandalizing someone else’s property and staining our community. I hope that the adults committing these crimes will one day learn to channel their creativity in a positive and constructive way.”
McLeland was the first to be arrested on October 10, when officers from the Mission Station observed him vandalizing a storefront with a marker near the 3300 block of 24th Street.
The following day, officers from the Ingleside Station responded to a report of a break-in and vandalism near San Jose and St. Marys Avenue involving Muni property. Police noted that Schular was struck by a Muni light rail vehicle while he was actively defacing the area, despite having reportedly been warned multiple times to leave.
Schular was taken into custody and evaluated at a local hospital for injuries.
On October 12, officers from the Southern Station arrested James in the vicinity of the 500 block of 10th Street, where he was observed actively vandalizing property.
