Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - A vandalism suspect was caught destroying a window and spray-painting a restaurant June 19 after he became irate when asked to pay for his meal.

Keoni Smith, 22, was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony vandalism. His tirade was caught on a customer’s cell phone as he destroyed a window at Red Robin, 428 Plaza Dr., and proceeded to paint the outside with blue spray paint.

The incident was reported at 11:50 a.m. Monday, June 19.

“The suspect … ate at the restaurant and failed to pay for his meal. When he was confronted by management, he became irate and exited the restaurant. After exiting, he began spray painting the restaurant’s wall and shattered one of the windows,” according to the West Covina Police Department in a written statement.

Smith is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail in the West Covina jail ahead of a scheduled appearance in the West Covina courthouse Wednesday, June 21.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

WEST COVINA - Witnesses helped police jail a group of juveniles seen tagging Wednesday night and helped officers recover an unregistered handgun tossed by one of the teens in a vain attempt to ditch the evidence.

Officers were sent to the 200 block of Vincent Avenue around 7:48 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. A witness told dispatchers that one of the teens had a firearm in his waistband. The teens escaped on foot once officers arrived, according to the West Covina Police Department.

Officers caught the teens who fled towards the plaza mall. A witness later told officers that one of the teens tossed a firearm into some bushes during his escape. The firearm, which was unregistered, was found loaded, according to the West Covina Police Department.

The juvenile who was seen in possession of the firearm was arrested and booked at the West Covina Police Department and later released to a legal guardian. The other teams were simply released to their legal guardians.

WEST COVINA – A vigilant witness who saw a tagger in action helped put the painting perpetrator behind bars June 8.

The witness saw the tagging in action on a business’ wall at The Heights, 2260 S. Azusa Ave., Wednesday. Officers arrived, detained a suspect and discovered 30 spray cans in his possession, according to the West Covina Police Department.

The suspect is accused of causing approximately $8,000 in damage to the property.

Jose Aranda Garcia was booked on suspicion of felony vandalism.

“Due to the witness's information leading to a successful arrest, they received a $100 cash reward,” according to the West Covina Police Department in a written statement.

Witnesses who wish to report vandalism in progress are urged to call 626-939-8585.