On Friday – November 8, 2013 at approximately 0800 hours, the Murrieta/Temecula Regional Gang Task Force (MTRGTF) served a search warrant in the 24000 block of Shoshonee Dr., Murrieta in regards to a felony vandalism/graffiti investigation. The investigation was initiated at Creekside High School (Murrieta), where some of the vandalism/graffiti took place.
During the service of the search warrant, investigators contacted suspect: Nikko Talavera (an 18-year-old resident of Murrieta). Investigation revealed Nikko Talavera was suspected of being responsible for tagging the moniker "PHLO". As the search continued, several items of evidentiary value were located and collected inside the residence.
Based on the totality of the circumstances, Nikko Talavera was taken into custody for 594(b)(1)PC – Felony Vandalism and later transported to the Southwest Detention Facility.
It should also be noted this investigation was assisted by a multi-county data base known as "TAGRS", which stands for "Tracking Automated Graffiti Reporting System". The city of Murrieta and the Murrieta Police Department use this system to help combat graffiti.
This system was used to locate multiple locations throughout the city of Murrieta of where the graffiti "PHLO" was found. At the time of this press-release, the known cost to clean up these locations was approximately $1,400.00.
Anyone with information or questions regarding this investigation can contact the MTRGTF Supervisor – Sgt. Weller at 951-461-6318. Or, you can also provide information anonymously through "We Tip" at 1-800-78-CRIME.