As we get ready to honor those who sacrificed all for our nation, we’d like to thank the police department in San Jose, CA for making it a priority to find the person who vandalized their veterans memorial park before Memorial Day.
“We are pleased to have made an arrest prior to observance of Memorial Day.” – Officer Gina Tepoorten, San Jose Police Dept.
Near midnight on May 6, only weeks before Memorial Day, the San Jose Veterans Memorial was vandalized with graffiti, leaving many people to wonder what kind of monster would do this?
Yesterday, police got one step closer to identifying the person responsible for the disturbing act of vandalism.
According to Mercury News – The suspect was taken into custody at his home Thursday. Police say his arrest was made possible by tips from the community.
The case was investigated by the department’s Street Crimes Unit, who worked “tirelessly” to make an arrest ahead of the Memorial Day observance, according to police.
“I’d like to say that while this was not a violent crime, the department recognizes the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for defacing the Veterans Memorial and restoring the honor to those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, something that the men and women in law enforcement understand all too well,” San Jose police Lt. Elle Washburn, who supervises the street crimes unit, said in a statement.
Vivanco was booked into Santa Clara County jail on felony vandalism and possession of vandalism tools charges. Officer Gina Tepoorten said Vivanco was booked on a felony vandalism charge because he allegedly caused $6,500 in damage, well above the $400 that triggers a felony.
A Facebook profile with the name Martin Ruiz Vivanco, who identifies as a “street artist and graffiti” from San Jose, posted an image of graffiti on May 4 that appears similar to the tagging on the Veterans Memorial.
What do you think? If they find the 39-year-old suspect is guilty, should he receive the maximum sentence and fine for defacing a memorial dedicated to our brave troops? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
