Paso Robles police identify 2 suspects accused of spray-painting mysterious messages
Paso Robles police on Tuesday announced they had identified two suspects accused of vandalizing vehicles and locations throughout the city with bizarre messages written in red spray paint.
The messages were painted in large letters on sidewalks, bank drive-throughs and even a bus. Paso Robles Daily News reported at least seven locations had been vandalized, and residents trying to interpret the messages on social media became concerned they were threatening or written by someone in need of help.
Police on Saturday responded to reports of the graffiti in town, and officers located two suspects who allegedly confessed to the vandalism, according to a post on the Paso Robles Police Department Facebook page.
Investigators recommended the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office charge Ben Delashmutt and Michell Baranek, both 43 of California Valley, with felony vandalism.
“Thank you to those citizens that assisted PRPD in solving this crime,” the post said.
This story was originally published March 3, 2021 at 11:13 AM.
