The City of Portland's long-sought graffiti vandal has been caught, following the seizure of an extensive collection of spray paint from his home. KGW reports that Portland police arrested James S. Fischel, 40, at his Southeast Portland residence on Thursday.
Fischel, having eluded authorities for months, faces multiple charges of first- and second-degree criminal mischief, as detailed by the Seattle Times. In a case closely watched by residents tired of rampant vandalism, over 1,500 cans of spray paint valued at over $10,000 were confiscated from his home back in June. Although identified, after featuring in a YouTube documentary series, Fischel avoided arrest until now.
According to KATU, the suspect, notoriously known as 'GIMER' in the local graffiti scene, was also accused of supplying other vandals with materials. In the YouTube series, he showcased his hoard of cans, referring to it as "every graffiti writer’s fantasy." Portland Police had been monitoring Fischel even after he went out of the area during the June raid. As told by the police in the episode titled “Portland is Losing the Graffiti War,” they claimed to have identified him—although he tried concealing his identity—as the person featured in the show. Fischel's arrest signifies a significant victory for law enforcement in a city that has struggled with graffiti clean-up and prevention efforts.
