Proud Graffiti Artist's Facebook Activity Triggers His Arrest

Man allegedly involved in post US Open of Surfing rioting, ID's his own photo on police Facebook page

A tagger who allegedly spray-painted cop cars during rioting in Huntington Beach was so proud of his work that he “liked” his picture on the police department's Facebook page and got himself arrested, police said.

Huntington Beach police took to Facebook to trumpet the arrest of Luis Enrique Rodriguez, 18, of Anaheim.

Rodriguez, "apparently proud of his actions, 'liked' the Huntington Beach Police Department's picture #15 and shared it with his friends, which was noticed by numerous fans on our Facebook page and a series of tips led to his identification," police posted.

Three people have now been arrested in connection with the July 28 riots, in which thousands of people gathered in the streets following the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing.

Businesses were looted, windows were shattered, and portable toilets were upended. Rodriguez was arrested Friday for vandalism after a police investigation reportedly showed him spraying an obscene sexual exhortation against "the pigs" on the sides of police cars at the scene of the July 28 riots in Huntington Beach.

Also, a 17-year-old West Covina boy turned himself in Tuesday after Huntington Beach police detectives contacted his family.

"Our investigation shows him damaging the portable toilets and attempting to tip over a public works trucks," according to a statement posted Saturday on the Huntington Beach Police Department's Facebook page. "He was arrested and released to his parents for charges of felony vandalism, inciting a riot and refusing to disperse when ordered."

Huntington Beach resident Anthony Abadier, 20, was arrested at his home on Aug. 11, according to police.

Abadier reportedly used his skateboard to smash newspaper stands. He was booked for felony vandalism, participating in an unlawful assembly and refusing to disperse when ordered.

"Many investigations are still actively being pursued, arrests warrants being obtained, and more arrests are pending in the near future. The Huntington Beach Police Department remains committed to identifying and arresting anyone engaged in unlawful behavior occurring during this incident.

"We greatly appreciate all the assistance members of the public have provided," according to the statement posted Saturday on the department's Facebook page.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

Dodgers home opener overshadowed by Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal

Convicted killer who left Santa Ana halfway house is in custody

City News service contributed to this report.

More Southern California Stories:

Contact Us