City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police "...accountability, integrity and respect." MEDIA ALERT March 19, 2007 Graffiti Vandal Joseph "MFOME" Montano Arrested in Oakland City of Pittsburgh Zone Five and University of Pittsburgh police officers arrested Daniel Joseph Montano (21) of Mellon Street in Highland Park a known tagger for spray painting "MFOME" on several buildings in the Oakland area. Officers were responding to Melwood and Centre Avenue after an alert citizen called 911 to report the vandal. As officers arrived, the witness indicated the vandal had spray painted several buildings and gave a very accurate accounting of the actors' behavior and description. Based on the witnesses' description, University of Pittsburgh Police Officer Juan Polanco spotted the actor and pursued him on foot apprehending Montano on Gold Way. Many city neighborhoods, including Oakland, have been experiencing a rise in graffiti or criminal mischief related incidents, and it was with the help of an observant, community minded citizen we were able to apprehend Mr. Montano. Detective Daniel Sullivan of the Graffiti Task Force assessed the damages and estimates range from $3200.00 to $14,000 per building, with an aggregate amount of $25,000 dollars. Mr. Montano is charged with Possessing Instruments of Crime and Criminal Mischief. Any citizen who has been recently tagged with the moniker "MFOME" is asked to call 911 and file a report. Citizens can also report incidents of vandalism at Zone 5 Station, located at Penn Circle West and Ansley, in the East Liberty. Photo will be available at Zone 5 front desk. RaShall M. Brackney, Commander Zone Five Station RaShall M. Brackney, Commander Zone Five Station Penn Circle West and Ansley Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206 (412) 665-3605