by Wayne Lee – Sports Editor
The Eagle Point police department received multiple reports of graffiti and vandalism on both public and private property Jan. 26. According to a statement from Eagle Point police, Graffiti was found on the rear of several businesses, fences, sidewalks, public walkways and the historic covered bridge. The graffiti was determined to reference a gang based in South Central Los Angeles, according to the Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement task force.
According to Eagle Point police, “During the investigation officers reviewed video evidence and worked closely with officials from Eagle Point High School which led to the development of several persons of interest believed to be responsible for the vandalism.” While the investigation was ongoing, Eagle Point Public Works employees began removing graffiti from the local splash park, Centennial Plaza and surrounding sidewalks and benches. Several business owners and residents also assisted by cleaning and repairing affected areas.”
Days later the graffiti reappeared, leading police to arrest three individuals believed to be responsible for the vandalism. Taken into custody were three 18-year-olds, Eagle Point residents Izaiah Sanders and Daniel Buscher and Jacoby Tagnoli, a transient who was found to have an outstanding warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle. Tagnoli had originally provided a false name when initially interviewed by police and attempted to flee before being taken into custody. Each of the three teenagers were charged with four felony counts of criminal mischief in the first degree and 12 misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief in the second degree with the possibility of additional charges to be filled later.
