Milton-Freewater police arrest graffiti suspect
By Terry Murry on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – Milton-Freewater Police Chief Joe Shurtz announced Wednesday a suspect has been arrested in connection to a string of graffiti cases throughout the city.
Angel Ibarra Diaz, 20, of Milton-Freewater was arrested Monday. Officers contacted Diaz after responding to a new graffiti incident that same day. Witnesses gave police a description of the car that the suspect was driving.
An officer and detective interviewed Diaz and found he is also suspected of being responsible for more than 10 other graffiti cases.
Diaz was lodged in the Umatilla County Jail on multiple charges. Shurtz said more arrests will follow.
The chief credited vigilant citizens working with police officers for the breakthrough arrest in a statement issued Wednesday:
On 12/25/23, the Milton-Freewater Police Department was advised of an incident of graffiti in progress. Officers responded and located new graffiti. The reporting parties gave a description of the vehicle the suspect(s) were driving, a late 90’s or early 2000s Honda Accord, dark green in color.
The police department received another call from a citizen who reported they observed the car driving on the north end of Milton-Freewater.
The initial responding officer was able to obtain video of the matching vehicle. A school employee observed the vehicle near Yantis Park. The officer responded and the suspect vehicle parked near where the officer was sitting.
The officer made contact with the suspect, who was identified as Angel Ibarra Diaz, 20-year-old male who lives in Milton-Freewater.
Milton-Freewater Officer and detective interviewed Angel and found that he was also (allegedly) responsible for the following graffiti cases: The City of Milton-Freewater Pool (and other city locations), Super Milton, Vape N Good, Department of Human Services building, Orchard Homes, Rite Aid building, 306 and 311 North Main Street, Garrett Packing and Northwest Steel.
Officers and Detective are still doing further investigation and there will be more arrests to come. Angel was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on 4 counts of Criminal Mischief 2, 3 counts of Criminal Trespass 2, and 2 counts of Criminal Mischief 1 (Felony Charge).
Resolving graffiti incidents can pose challenges unless the perpetrator is apprehended in the act. Frequently, individuals engaged in graffiti and property vandalism remain elusive, concealing their identities until they can carry out their activities without hindrance. While video footage is often available in many instances, suspects often obscure their faces by donning masks and beanies. The successful resolution of this particular case was made possible through the collaborative efforts of vigilant citizens and the police department working closely to piece together crucial information.
MyCB file photo of graffiti at Milton-Freewater pool building
