Vehicle Vandalism Suspects Identified, Charges Pending

Published on August 02, 2023

By Tim Ciesco

The Arlington Police Department has identified the suspects believed to be responsible for a string of 17 vehicle vandalism incidents that occurred over the weekend.

All three suspects are teenage males. Two are juveniles and one is considered an adult under Texas law (17 years of age and older). Criminal charges will be filed once detectives are able to determine a total dollar amount for the damage caused to the vehicles. Detectives have spoken with all three individuals and their families.

Surveillance video from the victims and their neighbors was critical in helping detectives connect the incidents and identify a vehicle of interest. Then, by leveraging investigative technologies that are available through the department’s Real Time Crime Center, investigators were able to locate the vehicle, which led them to the suspects.

“These incidents didn’t just impact the people whose vehicles were vandalized – they affected and upset the entire Arlington community,” said Chief of Police Al Jones. “The phrases and images spray painted on the vehicles were deeply offensive and have no place in our city. Through this investigation, we’re sending the message that we will not tolerate this kind of behavior and we will hold offenders accountable. I want to thank all of the community members who assisted us with this investigation, as well as the employees who’ve worked tirelessly since Saturday morning to get us to this point. This is another great example of how the community working with their police department can make a positive difference.”

The department will release additional details once charges are filed.