Graffiti Suspect Busted in Milford

Investigators have picked up a 26-year-old city man for allegedly causing more than $14,000 in damage in 13 acts of graffiti vandalism -- including at the new Silver Sands-Walnut Beach boardwalk, according to police.

The suspect, identified as Peter O'Rourke of 99 Avon St., Milford, was arrested on a warrant 11:10 a.m. Tuesday, just hours after

Milford Patch complained about graffiti such as "P-City," an apparent drug reference, that had not only appeared on the boardwalk recently, but had been plastered on property at and around Silver Sands State Park in December.

Police have accused O'Rourke of sprawling that tag and others on the Silver Sands-Walnut Beach boardwalk and on city and commercial buildings.

"The Milford Police Department received several complaints of graffiti that occurred in Milford from December 2010 - March 2011," police said in a press release.

"Investigation revealed that graffiti tags had been spray-painted on several commercial buildings, city buildings and the Silver Sands-Walnut Beach boardwalk. The graffiti included sayings such as 'P-City' and 'Devon Tagging Crew.'

"During the investigation, O'Rourke was identified as a suspect which led to a warrant being issued for his arrest. The damage values from the 13 acts of vandalism was in excess of $14,000."

O'Rourke was charged with five counts of first-degree criminal mischief and eight counts of second-degree criminal mischief, according to police. He was being held in lieu of $1,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 15. As with all suspects, he is considered innocent until proven guilty.