SAN JOSE — Police arrested two suspects for allegedly vandalizing in more than thirty combined incidents in the city under the monikers “2LATE” and “STAPLE,” authorities said.
Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, according to a press releaase from the San Jose Police Department.
“Graffiti, no matter the content or the artistic talent of the person responsible, is a crime against someone else’s property,” said San Jose police Chief Paul Joseph. “It damages businesses, neighborhoods, and public spaces, and it costs our community millions. Our officers put in the work to track these vandals down, and now they’re facing the consequences. If you tag our city, expect us to come knocking on your door.”
The arrests resulted from a follow-up investigation into the vandal “GOOB” who police belived particpated in more than 100 vandalism incidents targeting private, public and commercial properties, authorities said. The investigation spanned from July 2023 to April 2025. Police believe that “2LATE” and “STAPLE” were in the same vandalism crew as “GOOB.” The man known as “GOOB” was arrested in April.
Officers suspect “STAPLE,” a 23-year-old man from Los Banos, was involved in at least 17 vandlism incidents and “2LATE,” a 26-year-old man from San Jose, was involved in at least 14 vandalism incidents, authorities said.
“By taking vandals off the streets, we help keep our communities safe and our neighborhoods clean, which fosters a greater sense of safety for our residents,” said San Jose City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Thank you to the San José Police Department for their diligent effort in combating graffiti and making San José the safest large city in the United States.”
“STAPLE” was arrested Sept. 3 in Los Banos, authorities said. In searching his residence, authorities located a firearm, graffiti tools and spray paint.
“2LATE” was arrested in San Jose, and officers found graffiti tools and spray paint in his residence, authorities said.
“If you missed the kindergarten lesson about not drawing on walls, the San José Police Department will gladly give you a refresher,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “I want to thank our Chief and our officers for taking these cases seriously. The way our city looks shapes how our residents feel — and we can’t just perpetually clean up after bad actors. That’s why enforcement matters.”
Anyone with information on vandalism cases is asked to contact Officer Osborne #4242 or Officer Singh #5217 at 4242@sanjoseca.gov or 5217@sanjoseca.gov.