The Atlantic City and Ventnor City police departments conducted a cooperative investigation leading to the arrest of a man responsible for graffiti throughout the Downbeach area.
On December 4th officers arrested 40 year old Steve Araujo of Ventnor City following an investigation into graffiti being spray painted and marked on numerous locations in Atlantic City and Ventnor City. .
During the month of August, both police departments were alerted to numerous locations that were vandalized including completed art projects in the Lower Chelsea neighborhood of Atlantic City, electrical boxes, and businesses. The officers began a cooperative investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of Araujo in the first block of Oakland Avenue in Ventnor City. The graffiti continued through November as the officers followed up on leads and continued their investigation.
During a search of Araujo’s residence, officers located evidence that was used in the commission or preparation of vandalizing the property including a sketchbook with artwork, 73 spray paint cans, 30 paint markers, approximately 75 spray nozzles, and 150 Sharpie markers.