CENTRALIA: Two men arrested in gang-related graffiti

Two off-duty Centralia police officers assisted in arresting men police say are involved in gang-related graffiti in the city, according to a news release.

Officers began an investigation into gang-related graffiti in downtown Centralia. Officers asked business owners about spray paint purchases, leading to several suspects, including two who were arrested Friday afternoon.

The officers were driving into town to run errands Friday when they recognized two people wanted in connection with a graffiti investigation.

Officers approached the men, identified themselves as officers and called in patrol officers for backup.

One of the men was taken into custody and interviewed. The second was identified with video surveillance footage and agreed to turn himself in.

One of the men arrested told police he was spray painting over existing graffiti “because he hate(s) gangs, because they bring the city down and give it a bad name,” the release said.

The men, 21 and 18, were arrested and booked on suspicion of third-degree malicious mischief.