PITTSBURGH, PA – Two 20-year-old males were arrested late Friday night after a Pittsburgh Police Graffiti Squad detective observed them actively spray-painting the Anderson Bridge. The bridge has recently been a frequent target for vulgar graffiti tags, necessitating daily clean-up by the Department of Public Works.
While conducting undercover surveillance on the bridge just before 10:45 p.m., the detective witnessed the two individuals on bikes halt mid-bridge and extract spray cans from a backpack. The males were also heard discussing previous tags they had painted at that location.
Upon observing the activity, the detective immediately notified dispatch, and a patrol officer in the vicinity arrived to assist in apprehending the two suspects.
Both individuals were charged with Criminal Mischief – Intentionally Damaging Property, Possessing Instruments of Crime, and Criminal Conspiracy. They were taken to Allegheny County Jail and subsequently released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.