State of Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security

 

Division of State Police

 

Superintendent Thomas F. Mac Leish

Updated DSP News Release: Friday, April 24, 2009- Graffiti Suspect Charged with Felony Level Offense

 

New Castle County- Mr. Valez’s co-conspirator was arrested today for his part in the crimes outlined below.  Dominic Scalia, 18, of Wilmington, was arrested this afternoon and committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institute in lieu of a $750 secured bond. His charges were identical to that of Mr. Valez’s. 

 

It should be noted that Scalia was also in the suspicious vehicle stopped on March 20th. 

 

Dominic Scalia

 

 

DSP News Release: Friday, April 24, 2009- Graffiti Suspect Charged with Felony Level Offense

 

Location of Incident:

  • Smith and Solomon, 217 Lisa Drive, New Castle, Delaware (February 13th, 2009)
  • Henry’s Exxon, 3830 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware (February 16th, 2009)

 

Date and Time of Occurrence: See above

 

Suspect(s):  Luis Velez, 19, of Cedar Avenue in Wilmington, Delaware

 

Resume: Troop 6 patrol officers have made a significant stride in the fight against graffiti with the arrest today of Luis Velez. 

 

Investigators were able to implicate Mr. Velez into two graffiti incidents in February.  The first incident occurred on February 13th at Smith and Solomon on Lisa Drive in New Castle.  In this case, Troopers believe Velez spray painted eight tractor trailers and three school buses.  The total damage was estimated in excess of $10,000.00. 

 

The second incident occurred at Henry’s Exxon on February 16th in which Velez and another unnamed subject are believed to have spray painted the building.  The damage was estimated at about $500.00.

 

A break in the case came when Velez was stopped as an occupant in a suspicious vehicle on March 20th.  Investigative measures stemming from this contact led to the subsequent arrest warrant for the aforementioned incidents.  Velez also acknowledged being a part of a group named “Public Terrorists” whose insignia “PT” has been located alongside various acts of graffiti in New Castle County.   

 

Valez was charged with Graffiti (felony, Graffiti (misdemeanor) and Conspiracy 3rd (misdemeanor). 

 

This investigation is continuing as does the battle against graffiti. 

 

Luis Velez

 

 

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