A Phoenix man, accused of vandalizing numerous public and private properties, is currently in custody. Police have connected Jordan Coomassie to over 750 instances of graffiti that spanned a large part of the city, causing extensive damage and sparking frustration among local residents. His actions have reportedly cost an estimated $65,000 in repairs. Following an investigation, police have identified him as the primary suspect responsible for a wave of graffiti incidents that plagued the area for several months.

Community Frustration Leads to Investigation

For months, Phoenix residents, particularly those in the vicinity of 19th Avenue between Indian School and Camelback Roads, were growing increasingly frustrated by the vandalism. Alleyways, bus stops, sidewalks, curbs, and street signs were repeatedly marked up, often leaving entire blocks defaced with graffiti. Local resident Carlos, who has lived in the area for several years, expressed his disappointment at the deterioration of his neighborhood, citing the rising rates of graffiti and other issues impacting the community’s quality of life. Carlos noted that the situation had worsened over the last few years, coinciding with a growing homeless population and an apparent increase in vandalism.

Following an outcry from the community, the Phoenix Police Department launched a full-scale investigation, leading to the arrest of Coomassie. Police say that his tagging activity has spanned from January to October of this year, with various pieces of city infrastructure—such as bus stops, curbs, and sidewalks—being particularly targeted. Investigators believe that he tagged many of these locations with either his nickname, “MOER,” or his initials, “CS.”

Police Connect Hundreds of Incidents to Single Suspect

Coomassie’s alleged graffiti spree, according to court documents, extended beyond public infrastructure. The police have also linked him to defacing Christ Church and the Phoenix Christian Academy in Central Phoenix. The wave of vandalism has put a strain on local resources, with the damages reportedly totaling over $65,000. Court paperwork further reveals that at the time of his arrest, Coomassie was on probation for a previous vandalism offense, adding another layer of severity to his current charges.

When law enforcement apprehended Coomassie, they found paint pens in his suitcase, which investigators believe he used in his acts of vandalism. The arrest marked the culmination of months of police work and community frustration, with many residents hoping this development would help to restore the appearance of their neighborhood. The Phoenix Police Department worked diligently to tie hundreds of incidents to Coomassie, bringing some relief to the area’s residents who had repeatedly voiced their concerns.

Charges and Bond

Coomassie now faces multiple charges related to his alleged acts of vandalism. Specifically, he has been charged with four counts of criminal damage, including six felony charges, due to the extensive property damage he is accused of causing. The charges reflect the high cost of his alleged actions, both financially and socially, for the community.

In light of the extent and persistence of his actions, Coomassie’s bail has been set at $50,000, cash only. This high bond amount underscores the gravity of his alleged offenses and the strain they placed on local resources. The community’s call for accountability appears to have been answered, but the ongoing repairs and repainting efforts are a reminder of the significant impact his alleged actions have had on the area.

Local Residents React to Vandalism

Residents in the area have expressed a mix of frustration and relief following Coomassie’s arrest. Neighbor Eddie emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for vandalism, urging the city to continue cleaning up graffiti and prevent further defacement of the community. Eddie and other locals hope that Coomassie’s arrest will mark a turning point, leading to improved efforts to remove graffiti and restore public spaces.

Phoenix residents have pointed to the graffiti problem as a sign of deeper challenges facing the area. Many, like Carlos, remember a time when the neighborhood was showing signs of improvement and hoped that it would continue on an upward trend. However, the recent surge in graffiti has dampened those expectations. Despite this setback, locals remain hopeful that efforts to address the issue will continue, both through law enforcement and community initiatives.

The Impact on Phoenix’s 19th Avenue Corridor

The graffiti spree has had a noticeable impact on the 19th Avenue corridor, a busy part of Phoenix that has seen increasing issues in recent years. Alongside the rise in graffiti, residents report that the area has seen a marked increase in homelessness and associated challenges. Many locals feel that addressing the graffiti problem is just one part of a larger effort needed to improve the community. Phoenix Police, however, are optimistic that Coomassie’s arrest will deter similar acts of vandalism and allow for a concerted effort to restore the area’s visual appeal.

While Coomassie’s motives remain unclear, the community’s response has been one of resolve. Residents are hopeful that this arrest will serve as a deterrent for future acts of graffiti and that resources can be dedicated to repairing the damage. As Phoenix moves forward, local leaders and residents alike are emphasizing the importance of community involvement in keeping the area safe and clean.