WASHINGTON, DC — A man accused of damaging rainbow-colored decorations and spray-painting offensive graffiti on private property was arrested Sunday in connection to two recent incidents across the District.
Michael Isaiah Webb Jr., 30, of Landover, Maryland, was taken into custody by officers familiar with the cases while he was walking in the Navy Yard area. He was charged with destruction of property and defacing private property.
The first incident occurred on June 2 around 7:42 p.m. in the unit block of Dupont Circle, Northwest, where rainbow cloths wrapped around light poles were ripped down. The suspect had fled the area before officers arrived.
Two days later, on June 4 at approximately 7:58 a.m., officers responded to reports of a disorderly individual in the 600 block of Maine Avenue, Southwest. There, graffiti containing offensive language was found sprayed on private property.
Detectives reviewed surveillance video and photographs from both incidents and worked to identify the suspect, ultimately leading to Webb’s arrest without incident on Sunday.
MPD investigates possible hate or bias motivation
While Webb is currently charged with destruction and defacement, the Metropolitan Police Department has announced it is investigating whether the incidents were motivated by hate or bias. Officials emphasized that this designation may change as the investigation develops and does not guarantee prosecutors will pursue hate crime charges.
The MPD’s Special Liaison Branch is assisting with the ongoing investigation. The department has not released the exact content of the graffiti or the motive behind the suspect’s actions.
Authorities said that the charges stem from separate locations and times but share similar characteristics in targeting public and private property with potential cultural or social significance.