Neighbors help Schenectady cops nab graffiti suspects

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

George Ferro of Glenwood Boulevard in Schenectady stands in front of his garage that was tagged with graffiti last week.

A group of neighbors along Center Alley last week helped direct police to three teens who allegedly spray painted graffiti on several garages in the area.

They also praised the police for their response and for making the arrests.

The incident happened Wednesday evening in the alley between Glenwood and Parkwood boulevards.

Betty Jean Hughes had just finished a day of painting her garage and was going inside when a neighbor yelled that her garage had just gotten tagged — five minutes after she was done.

It turned out others had gotten tagged, as well.

“It’s so frustrating because you work so hard and then this is what you get,” Hughes said of the graffiti.

Hughes called 911 and other neighbors kept track of the suspects. Police then responded.

“They showed up and they showed up quick,” Hughes said. “I thought the police response was great.”

She said she had concerns with a past response to a similar call, but last week’s was perfect.

She also praised her neighbors for intervening and helping lead police to the suspects. “That just blew me away,” she said.

Patrol officers arrested all three teens after they were identified by witnesses and charged them with the vandalism.

Joseph Rodriguez, 17, of Strong Street, faces multiple counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. The two others were under the age of 16 and charged in Family Court, police said.

Those hit had much of the graffiti painted over quickly.

Another neighbor, who didn’t want his name used, was one of the neighbors who helped direct police to the teens. His property didn’t get hit.

“I’m just glad somebody was held accountable,” he said.