Prolific tagger nabbed

A prolific tagger has been identified after a spree lasting several months marred downtown Everett.

For several months, the Everett Police Department has investigated complaints of tagging. Specifically, officers found over 50 tags on public and private property in downtown and north Everett with the moniker “NAMS?ERA”.

On January 15th, a homeowner in the 2000 block of Lombard Ave called 911 to give the description of a male tagging a nearby street sign. Officer Edmonds responded and located the male as he was leaving a church with fresh tagging sprayed on a window. The male was detained and admitted to the tagging. The male, a student at Everett High School, explained that his tag begins with his nickname “NAMS”, includes a star for design and ends with “ERA” for “erasol” spray paint. The male showed Officer Edmonds more of his tags throughout north Everett and was released to a parent with an explanation of the pending criminal process.

Approximately 15 minutes later, Officer Edmonds observed the same male walking in the 1500 block of 20th St. The male ran when contacted but was quickly taken into custody. This time, he was transferred over to the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Everett High School. Once advised of the incident, the SRO immediately recognized the tag signature as similar ones had been sprayed on school property.

Officers with the Downtown Bike Unit also recognized the tag signature from their investigations. All cases were sent to a detective for a follow-up investigation which will be forwarded to the Prosecutors Office for review and charging.

Reports indicate there are between 50-100 tags throughout north Everett with an estimated cost to fix the damage at over $5,000.00.

Lieutenant Bob Marshall who oversees the north sector says, “We received numerous complaints about tagging around the downtown business district. Through astute police work by Officer Edmonds, we apprehended a juvenile. However, our work is not done and we are committed to holding additional suspects accountable. These crimes are quality of life issues that impact not only our business community, but our neighborhoods as well.”

It is believed this male is connected with another juvenile who is also tagging in north Everett. The investigation into the second male is ongoing.

Anyone with similar tagging is asked to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450.