BPD Officers Catch Graffiti Vandal Can in Hand in the area of Harvard Ave, Allston

[Anthony D'Isidoro]

About 1:30am, on Thursday, June 22, 2017, officers from District D-14 (Brighton) were on directed patrol in the area of Harvard Ave due to several community complaints relative to an increase of graffiti incidents in the area. While on foot patrol, officers observed a white male in the rear of Five Guys Restaurant at 1223 Commonwealth Ave spraying painting or tagging a wall (see attached photo) with what appeared to black spray paint. Officers approached the suspect, identified themselves as Boston Police Officers and informed the suspect that community members were not happy with increased levels of graffiti in the area. As such, officers arrested Jackson Elliott, 27, of Brighton and charged him with Damage to Property by Graffiti/Tagging. Additionally, the suspect was also charged in connection to another incident in the area of 125 Harvard Ave.

(On June 21 at the monthly Allston Board of Trade meeting, attendees discussed the graffiti problem in Allston Village. BPD announced a renewed effort to focus resources including a dedicated detective to address local business concerns. Success came quickly. Congratulations to District D-14 (Brighton) for great police work. - Tony D'Isidoro)