Los Angeles law enforcement has cracked down on graffiti vandals targeting the vacant Oceanwide Plaza luxury high-rise, apprehending four individuals identified as Sebastian Zoro-Gutierrez, Andrew Rios, Mauro Aguilar, and Jessie Carreon within the defaced structure after property management granted a trespass order, FOXLA reported.
The inoperative billion-dollar complex, known for its distinct skyline presence opposite Crypto.com Arena, caught the city's eye after enduring months of conspicuous graffiti damage, LA's determination to stop the increasing vandalism has led to the recent arrests of these four, with an additional two arrests made last week for trespassing.
In response to the growing concern, LAPD Chief Michel Moore acknowledged the notoriety of the tagged towers, indicating that despite arrests the night prior, there remained a persistent effort from vandals to "leave their mark" on the global graffiti hotspot, this according to KABC.
Councilmember Kevin de León has been proactive, proposing the city take affirmative action by giving the developers a two-week ultimatum to clean up the mess; failing that, the city would step in and forward the bill, he told Eyewitness News that "It will send a very clear message to Oceanwide Development, you have two weeks, two weeks to clean up all the graffiti on every single floor,".
The grimy canvas that once promised DTLA's transformation now stands stalled and has sparked global conversations, including an opening bit by Trevor Noah during the Grammy Awards, while nearby workers like Jack Witthaus from Costar, who has observed the escalation of the graffiti, find the extensive vandalism unprecedented on a commercial building, he said in a statement to KABC.
Authorities urge anyone with information to aid the ongoing investigation by reaching out to Detective Lee at LAPD Central Area Burglary or to remain anonymous by contacting LA Regional Crime Stoppers, as city officials proceed with their bid to restore downtown LA's tarnished aesthetic.
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