Police make arrests in OBVS, Neato tags
Graffiti task force says two suspects are behind approximately 180 tags across city
Atlanta Police say officers in the past month have arrested two well-known graffiti artists whose tags can be found in approximately 180 spots across the city.
Police arrested Brandon Carrafa, 34, in the early morning hours of Jan. 9 for outstanding warrants related to graffiti vandalism after a traffic stop. People say Carrafa is behind OBVS tags, 30 instances of which were found by Officer Brad Etterle, the department's graffiti officer.
APD says officers armed with warrants searched Carrafa's apartment and vehicle and seized more than "50 cans of spray paint, over 100 spray paint caps, sketches, T-shirts with the “OBVS” tag, and a telescoping ladder." Carrafa has been charged with one count of interference with government property and two counts of criminal trespass. Carrafa was taken to Fulton County jail and, according to records, was released on Jan. 15. Additional charges might be filed, police say.
On Jan. 18 shortly after midnight, officers arrested James Strawn, 30, whom they say is behind "NEATO" tags, for outstanding warrants for graffiti vandalism. Police say officers "came into contact" with Strawn during a suspicious person call and "discovered he was wanted."
APD says the Etterle has come across more than 150 instances of NEATO tags across the city. He's been charged with two counts of interference with government property, two counts of criminal trespass, and one count of criminal damage to property. According to Fulton County Jail records, Strawn remains in custody.