Lake Elsinore Teen Accused Of Graffiti Vandalism In Terra Cotta

A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of graffiti vandalism in Lake Elsinore’s Terra Cotta community.

The teen, whose identity was not released by police due to age, was arrested following the execution of a search warrant served Aug. 29 in the 18100 block of Tereticornis Avenue, according to a Lake Elsinore Police Department news release from Sgt. Ray Nava.

The investigation that led to Thursday’s arrest came after police received a report that during the early morning hours of Aug. 24 vandals allegedly defaced several Terra Cotta homes.

“Patrol officers responded and, with the assistance of the Lake Elsinore Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team, identified and detained a suspect,” according to Nava’s report.

But it wasn’t until Aug. 29, when police got a search warrant for the Tereticornis Avenue home where the suspect lived, that the teen was formally arrested.

During the search, police found “several items of evidence” at the residence, Nava’s report continued.

It was enough evidence, according to the report, to arrest the teen on suspicion of vandalism with damage estimated in excess of $1,800, according to Nava.

If the 16-year-old is charged and convicted, the teen’s parents could be on the hook.

“The Lake Elsinore Police Department would like to advise all residents it will aggressively work to identify and prosecute suspects of graffiti vandalism to the fullest extent of the law,” Nava’s report stated. “Furthermore, the city of Lake Elsinore will aggressively seek to recover from those persons convicted of graffiti vandalism any and all cost it incurs for the removal of graffiti.”

Nava said that if residents see graffiti vandalism taking place, they should call 911. If a crime is not in progress, call the sheriff’s dispatch non-emergency number at (951) 776-1099. To make a graffiti removal request, call the city’s Graffiti Hotline at (951) 674-2701, or submit an online graffiti service request form at www.lake-elsinore.org.