Neighbor Caught For Graffiti

From the Richmond Police Department press release: Richmond Police Department Bryan T. Norwood Chief of Police Contact: Gene Lepley Richmond Police Department Phone 804-646-0607 Fax 804-646-3496 http://www.richmondgov.com/police For Immediate Release News Release Officer Catches Oregon Hill Graffiti Vandal Oct. 21, 2009 Thanks to the quality investigation and timely action by the Richmond Police Department, a local graffiti vandal has been caught before he could deface any more […]

October 21, 2009; 6:47 PM • by Oregon Hill

From the Richmond Police Department press release:

Richmond Police Department
Bryan T. Norwood
Chief of Police

Contact: Gene Lepley
Richmond Police Department
Phone 804-646-0607
Fax 804-646-3496
http://www.richmondgov.com/police
For Immediate Release

News Release
Officer Catches Oregon Hill Graffiti Vandal

Oct. 21, 2009
Thanks to the quality investigation and timely action by the Richmond Police Department, a local graffiti vandal has been caught before he could deface any more locations.

Using his investigative skills, Third Precinct Environmental Officer Ward Kuper determined Chad J. Niemi, 33, of the 600 block of South Cherry Street, was responsible for numerous acts of vandalism throughout the Oregon Hill neighborhood and several city parks using the tag name “Dr. Bastard.”

A search of Niemi’s residence supported the investigation.

Niemi has been arrested and charged with three counts of destruction of property and one count of possession of marijuana, all misdemeanors.

“Graffiti can have a negative effect on a whole area,” Third Precinct Commander Will Smith said. “It’s important that people know we take such crimes very seriously and have an officer assigned to specifically investigate such issues.”

Niemi’s photo is below and attached separately. Photos of his vandalism are also attached separately.