Arrest made in case of graffiti vandalism

Community Affairs Officer Barbara Stevens reported to Historic City News that just after 7:30 p.m. Friday evening, officers from the St. Augustine Police Department took 18 year-old Hudson Patrick Crace into custody and have charged him with 15 counts of criminal mischief.

Crace, who resides at 3739 Domingo Street in St. Augustine, was brought in for questioning by St. Augustine Police Officer Michael Linsky after he was identified by other members of his group as being the person who vandalized a local ATM with graffiti.

Police responded to a complaint from Denny’s Restaurant that the letters “DURU” had been painted on their ATM and drawn on one of the seats of a booth where Crace had been sitting earlier in the evening.

A waitress recalled seeing a group of teenagers hanging around the ATM as the same group that were seated in the booth. On investigation of the credit card used to pay the guest check, police were able to contact another one of the teens.

The credit card holder told police that Crace vandalized the ATM and named the other persons who were present at the time. Police report that the others confirmed that Crace was the person who vandalized the ATM machine.

Prior to this incident there were 14 locations around the city where vandalism by painting the letters “DURU” had been reported; one of which was a place of worship. The total estimated value of damage exceeds $1,000.

Crace denied all allegations and denied knowing anything about the graffiti or the letters “DURU”.

Crace was charged, based on the statements and identification by witnesses, with 14 counts of misdemeanor criminal mischief by graffiti and 1 count of Felony graffiti.

Crace was released the following day after posting a $9500.00 appearance bond.

Anyone with additional information concerning this crime or who may know the identity of others involved is asked to contact detectives with the St. Augustine Police Department at (904) 825-1074. You can remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-(888) 277-TIPS.