Over the summer, walls, fences, and public spaces throughout Moorpark became canvases for a mysterious vandal. Each night, someone spray-painted the same distinctive moniker, leaving city officials and residents frustrated over the recurring damage.
By September, investigators had traced the acts to a single suspect: Christian Ortiz, a 27-year-old Moorpark resident. On Sept. 16, detectives with the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit and Moorpark Investigations detectives arrested Ortiz. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of tools commonly used in graffiti vandalism.
Authorities said Ortiz is linked to four felony counts of graffiti vandalism causing damage over $400, three misdemeanor counts for damage under $400, and one count of possession of tools to commit graffiti vandalism. He was booked into Ventura County Main Jail.
The string of incidents began in July and continued through September, with city-owned properties repeatedly defaced. Each appearance of the distinctive moniker helped investigators piece together the pattern of vandalism and ultimately identify Ortiz.
Residents and local officials said the graffiti left a visible mark on the community, costing thousands of dollars in cleanup and repairs. The arrest brings an end to the months-long investigation, though authorities continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity.
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