Police: Vandalism Suspect Caught on Tape

Police rounded up a vandalism suspect Wednesday thanks to surveillance footage of the man and his vehicle, according to an email from the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department.

The vandalism was initially reported Monday after spray-painted graffiti was discovered on the door of a radio vault owned by RCC at Punta Point, Community Relations Officer Marcelle McCullough told reporters. During their investigation, detectives obtained surveillance footage of the culprit and his car.

An officer spotted the suspect—whose identity police did not reveal—driving on Wednesday, and pulled him over.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of vandalism, a drug offense and an unrelated warrant.

Without the surveillance footage, the man may not have been identified, McCullough said.

"Criminals can be brought to justice if caught on tape," she wrote. "With recent residential burglaries … security camera footage may be what is needed to determine vehicles used in the crimes or actually (identify) the criminal."

She also said that police are looking for residents who have security cameras—especially those pointed at public property or the street—in case the cameras catch video of a crime. People with cameras who would be willing to be listed as a contact for video footage should contact McCullough with their address and contact information.

"By having a list of residents who have video surveillance cameras, our officers can more quickly start to collect information that could potentially identify those that have committed crimes in Palos Verdes Estates," she said.

McCullough can be contacted via email at mmccullough@pvestates.org or via phone at 310-378-4211, extension 2121.