2 Arrested for Graffiti Spree on LA County State Property

Suspects caused tens of thousands in damage, authorities say

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a freshly painted graffiti tag in bold, bright colors on a rough concrete wall, conceptually illustrating the vandalism of public property.A recent wave of graffiti vandalism on public property in Los Angeles County has led to arrests and raised concerns about the ongoing challenge of combating property crimes.Los Angeles Today

The California Highway Patrol has arrested a man and a woman for a series of graffiti incidents on state property across Los Angeles County. The suspects, identified as Herman "Woody" Sanchez and Maria Angela Mendez Jones, are accused of vandalizing public infrastructure like traffic signs, with the total damage estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Why it matters

Acts of vandalism against public property can be costly for taxpayers and disruptive to communities. This case highlights the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in cracking down on graffiti and property crimes, which have been on the rise in some parts of LA County.

The details

Investigators said they found evidence linking Sanchez, 45, to the suspected crimes. Mendez Jones, 19, was arrested as an accomplice. The graffiti incidents targeted state property as well as infrastructure belonging to the cities of Los Angeles and Burbank.

  • The suspects were arrested on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Herman "Woody" Sanchez

A 45-year-old man arrested for a series of graffiti incidents on state property in Los Angeles County.

Maria Angela Mendez Jones

A 19-year-old woman arrested as an accomplice in the graffiti incidents.

California Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that investigated the graffiti incidents and made the arrests.

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What they’re saying

“Acts of vandalism against public property will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

— Captain Geller

What’s next

The suspects are expected to face criminal charges for the vandalism incidents.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in addressing property crimes like graffiti, which can be costly for taxpayers and disruptive to communities. It also highlights the importance of holding vandals accountable for their actions.