MILTON-FREEWATER — Milton-Freewater police made two recent arrests related to a series of graffiti cases.

Milton-Freewater Police Chief Joe Shurtz on Friday, Dec. 29, reported police arrested Arturo Diaz-Saldana, 21, of Milton-Freewater, on four counts of second-degree criminal mischief, three counts of second-degree criminal trespass and one count of first-degree criminal mischief.

That arrest was in conjunction with the arrest on Christmas Day of Angel Ibarra-Diaz, according to the chief.

MFPD arrested Ibarra-Diaz on four counts of second-degree criminal mischief, three counts of second-degree criminal trespass and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, which are felonies.

Milton-Freewater police on Dec. 25 received a report of someone making graffiti. Officers responded and found new graffiti. Witnesses told police the culprit was driving a dark green late ‘90s or early 2000s Honda Accord and it was on the north end of the town.

The first officer to respond obtained video of the car. A school employee observed the Honda near Yantis Park. The officer responded and the car was parked near where the officer was sitting.

The officer made contact with Ibarra-Diaz, leading to an interview with the officer and a detective. According to Shurtz, police found Ibarra-Diaz was responsible for numerous graffiti cases, including at the city of pool, Vape N Goods, the Oregon Department of Human Services building, Orchard Homes and the Rite Aid building.

“There is still an on-going investigation into the others who were involved in the string of graffiti incidents that have occurred,” Shurtz reported Dec. 29.

The chief also explained resolving graffiti incidents can pose challenges unless someone catches perpetrators in the act.

“Frequently, individuals engaged in graffiti and property vandalism remain elusive, concealing their identities until they can carry out their activities without hindrance,” according to Shurtz. “While video footage is often available in many instances, suspects often obscure their faces by donning masks and beanies. The successful resolution of this particular case was made possible through the collaborative efforts of vigilant citizens and the police department working closely to piece together crucial information.”

The cases now go to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.