Arrest for alleged vandalism includes charge of participation in Sureno gang

Crime/Incident:
594(b)(1) PC (Felony Vandalism)

186.22 PC (Participation in a Criminal Street Gang)

Location:
400 block of Ellen Lynn Road in Redwood Valley, CA

Date of Incident:
12-28-2016

Time:
3:20 PM

Victim(s):
N/A

Suspect(s):
Elias Sanchez  (24 year-old male from Redwood Valley, CA)




Written By:
Sergeant Scott Poma

Synopsis:
On 12-28-2016 at 3:20 PM the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a witnessed vandalism in which the suspect was spray painting buildings, fences and the roadway in the 400 block of Ellen Lynn Road in Redwood Valley, California.



Upon arrival Deputies observed fresh white spray paint upon a fence and the roadway. Later it was observed that a building in the area had also been spray painted. All of the spray painting was done in gang type graffiti using "SUR" or "X3" a known reference to the Sureno criminal street gang.

Sanchez was located in the area and was found to have white paint on his hands and clothing. It was believed that approximately $5,000.00 in damage was done in connection with the graffiti.

Sanchez was placed under arrest for the vandalism and an additional charge of participation in a criminal street gang was added.

Sanchez was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $25,000.00 bail.