PELHAM –– A nearly year-long regional investigation concluded with the arrest of a prolific tagger, Jonathan Baez, 30, of Lowell, Massachusetts.
In November 2022, the Pelham Police Department began investigating two acts of vandalism on Bridge Street/Rt. 38. Detectives identified a common “tagging signature” at both locations, suggesting they were the work of the same suspect.
Further investigations revealed multiple similar acts of vandalism throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
Detectives feared the tagger would continue to deface businesses along Rt. 38 if not apprehended.
The breakthrough in the case came when detectives discovered the suspect’s Instagram page, where Baez had been filming himself tagging various locations.
Several social media search warrants were executed during the investigation, providing crucial leads.
Armed with this new information, Pelham detectives were able to assist various communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, providing them with valuable insights about similar crimes in their jurisdictions.
Upon the completion of their investigation, both the Pelham and Salem, New Hampshire Police Departments issued warrants for Baez’s arrest.
On September 27, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Baez was located in Belmont, Massachusetts. Massachusetts State Police, assisted by Belmont Police, arrested Baez, who was found near his vehicle a few feet from Route 2.
Baez’s vehicle and cell phone were seized for additional search warrants. He was charged as a Fugitive From Justice and held by Massachusetts authorities.
Baez later waived extradition and was transferred to the custody of both the Salem NH Police Department and Pelham Police Departments on October 2.
He was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at Salem District Court on October 30, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
Additional charges are expected from agencies throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
