Boise Idaho Arrests Graffiti Perpetrators

Police: Boise arrests net key graffiti perpetrators
Idaho Press-Tribune Staffnewsroom@idahopress.com
Updated 3 hours 29 minutes ago
BOISE — Boise Police officers arrested three people who officers believe are responsible for a huge percentage of the graffiti crime reported in Boise over the past several months.Arrested are Taylor Ryan Coe, 19, Lazarus James Moon, 19, and Elysse S. Taylor, 20, all of Boise. All three are charged with felony malicious injury to property. Moon is additionally charged felony probation violation.

Officials believe the three suspects are responsible for 80 to 85 percent of the reported graffiti crime in Boise in recent months — more than 100 reported cases. Boise Police investigators, working with officers from other local agencies, also believe the suspects are responsible for reported graffiti crimes in Meridian, Garden City and Eagle. Officers believe Moon and Taylor often worked together. Officers believe Coe worked alone. Moon and Coe have previous arrests involving similar crimes.The police investigation began in August with a tip to Crime Stoppers. Officers continued to follow and develop leads, which resulted in two search warrants served on two Boise homes Thursday morning in the area of Fairview Avenue and Cole Road and the area near Main 27th streets. During the warrant search, officers discovered dozens of spray paint cans, back packs, bags and clothing officers all believe was used during the crimes. Officers also collected evidence that included numerous photos and notebooks that show graffiti painted at a number of locations. Officers believe these photos illustrate how the suspects document their own crimes.Also collected were media reports, newspapers and printed Web copy about previous graffiti arrests as well as media reports that show the suspects' graffiti. The suspects were taken into custody following the service of the search warrants. The graffiti began appearing in numerous locations beginning as early as January, damaging public and private locations including small business buildings, private fences, garages, and outbuildings, parks, the Connector and the Interstate, as well as the new Locust Grove Interstate Overpass.Graffiti damage attributed to these suspects also appeared the day after more than 100 community volunteers gathered to paint over graffiti at dozens of locations throughout Boise.Officers believe the suspects have damaged property that has cost the city, highway districts and private citizens thousands of dollars in cleanup costs.