ARIZONA NEWS

Suspect arrested in string of over 300 graffiti incidents in Phoenix

Apr 12, 2022, 4:00 PM

(Phoenix Police Photo) (Phoenix Police Photo) (Phoenix Police Photo) (Phoenix Police Photo) (Phoenix Police Photo) Toby Manuelito (MCSO Mugshot)

PHOENIX — A suspect was arrested Monday in connection with a string of graffiti incidents in Phoenix that caused about $38,000 in damages, authorities said.

Toby Manuelito, 20, was accused in about 315 incidents that began in 2020, Phoenix Police Sgt. Philip Krynsky told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

Manuelito would tag various residential areas, businesses, government property and murals — mostly in downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row — with the moniker “MEROE,” according to Krynsky.

Investigators used tips from residents to arrest Manuelito near 7th Avenue and McDowell Road.

Police found spray paint cans and hundreds of pens and markers upon Manuelito’s arrest.

“It’s just something that our community does not tolerate and we’re happy to be able to put an end to it,” Krynsky said.

Manuelito was charged with one count of criminal damage.

The city of Phoenix’s Neighborhood Services Department was responsible for cleaning the graffiti from vandalized areas for the past two years.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Balin Overstolz-McNair contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

woman cutting a sandwich in the back of house...

KTAR.com

Eligible Mesa small business owners can register for low-cost college courses

A new program in Mesa is expanding ways that small business owners can earn college credits. 

8 hours ago

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)...

Associated Press

Judge denies Phoenix request to extend clean up time at The Zone

A judge on Tuesday denied the city of Phoenix’s legal request seeking extra time to clean up the city’s largest homeless encampment.

11 hours ago

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is surrounded by staff, security and journalists as he walks to the Ho...

Brandon Gray

Kevin McCarthy out as speaker of the House: How Arizona representatives voted

In a 216-210 vote, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted off his post, making him the first in history to be removed from the role.

12 hours ago

(ADOT Photo)...

KTAR.com

ADOT uses updated technology to improve operation of freeway ramp meters

Updated technology has allowed the Arizona Department of Transportation to optimize the operation of its freeway ramp meters.

13 hours ago

Mug shots of Frank Avila, left, and Albert Valenzuela. The men were arrested after a Phoenix bus ro...

KTAR.com

1 man dead, 2 arrested after Phoenix bus robbery leads to hit-and-run collision

A man faces possible murder charges after a victim he allegedly tried to rob on a Phoenix bus was hit and killed by a vehicle while fleeing.

14 hours ago

...

KTAR Video

Video: What would it mean if the city of Phoenix entered into a “consent decree?”

Maricopa County Sherriff Paul Penzone announced Monday that he would not run for re-election and after bringing in a police chief following a national search, Mike Broomhead ponders what message the city of Phoenix would send by entering into a consent decree. Video: Jeremy Schnell and Felisa Cárdenas/KTAR News

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

...

Ignite Digital

How to unlock the power of digital marketing for Phoenix businesses

All businesses around the Valley hopes to maximize their ROI with current customers and secure a greater market share in the digital sphere.

...

Ability360

At Ability360, every day is Independence Day

With 100 different programs and services, more than 1,500 non-medically based home care staff, a world-renowned Sports & Fitness Center and over 15,000 people with disabilities served annually, across all ages and demographics, Ability360 is a nationwide leader in the disability community.

Suspect arrested in string of over 300 graffiti incidents in Phoenix