Items found in vehicles of subjects arrested in an investigation of gang-related graffiti in Everett. Courtesy of the Everett Police Department.
EVERETT, JUNE 19: The Everett Police Department (EPD) have made four arrests, one adult and three juveniles, in connection to three separate gang-related graffiti vandalism investigations this spring.
Investigation 1:
On March 6, officers from the EPD held a graffiti vandalism paint-over operation that took place in the 1100 block of W Casino Road, near Walter E Hall Park. The operation targeted a location displaying known gang tags, which are known to have direct ties to gang violence, EPD said in a press release.
Two days following the event, a vehicle was observed dropping off four subjects who subsequently tagged the fence with gang-related graffiti.
A month later on April 3, the Everett Police Violent Crime Unit (VCU) and south patrol officers located the suspect vehicle using the Flock Safety System License Plate Readers (LPRs). The grant-funded Flock Safety cameras are utilized to capture reported license plates and monitor high crime areas before police arrive on the scene.
The occupants of the vehicle were identified, and officers found cans of spray paint and alcohol inside the vehicle, which was later towed pending a search warrant. The occupants of the vehicle included three individuals, a 15-year-old male, a 15-year-old female and an 18-year-old male.
After a search warrant for the vehicle was approved, three loaded pistols were located inside the vehicle.
“The connection between gang graffiti and violence is incredibly troubling, especially as we see more young people drawn into this dangerous cycle,” Mayor Cassie Franklin said. “We know that when a young person is carrying a firearm, they are likely one conflict away from tragedy—taking someone else’s life and derailing their own. That’s why we are treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. Our focus remains on preventing violence before it happens: through partnerships, upstream solutions and holding people accountable when necessary.”
Investigation 2:
On May 6, Everett patrol officers responded to an additional report of graffiti vandalism in the 1100 block of W Casino Rd. Responding officers observed fresh graffiti, which was identified as gang-affiliated, and saw a vehicle pulling away from the scene.
Officers detained the occupants of the vehicle and noticed spray paint cans and a significant amount of alcohol. The driver of the vehicle was an 18-year-old male, and the additional occupants were all juveniles.
This vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant and upon warrant service, a stolen firearm was discovered.
Investigation 3:
On April 26, the Everett Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Service painted over gang-related graffiti vandalism located along 75th St SE, across from Lions Park. The fence was then tagged with gang graffiti the evening of the following day. A suspect vehicle was identified using the Flock Safety System LPRs and further investigation led to the identification of a 17-year-old male as the suspect.
On May 14, the Violent Crime Unit located the 17-year-old suspect during a traffic stop in South Everett. He admitted to officers he was gang affiliated. Further investigation showed he was in possession of a stolen firearm with an extended magazine.
“Evidence shows that gang-related graffiti is directly linked to violent acts, and the multiple arrests and gun charges resulting from our recent investigations underscore that concerning relationship,” Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said. “Firearms in the hands of young people are a particularly volatile and tragic combination. We are seeing guns used to settle disputes, retaliate against perceived threats or gain status – and it’s putting lives at risk. Because of this, Mayor Franklin identified youth safety as a critical priority this year, directing resources towards prevention as well as robust investigations and holding offenders accountable for the harm they cause our community.”
Several of these investigations are still ongoing, but to date:
- A 15-year-old female was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements
- A 15-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements
- A 17-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
- An 18-year-old male was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for Minor in Possession and additional weapons violations.
Based on a press release from the Everett Police Department.
| June 11, 2025
