Tagger Arrested in Fillmore 

October 17, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a 20-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting graffiti and causing thousands of dollars of vandalism damage throughout the Santa Clara Valley specifically Fillmore.

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities.  If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods.  Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.

During the months of December 2023 through February 2024, diligent community members reported a sudden increase in graffiti vandalism occurring in the Santa Clara Valley specifically the city of Fillmore. Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the various crime scenes and located graffiti vandalism which ranged in color and size.  Some of the vandalisms were felonious based on their size and damage caused to the property.  Through their investigation, patrol deputies identified a “moniker” utilized by the suspect in their graffiti vandalism.  A “moniker” is a specific nickname used by an individual in graffiti vandalism as a way to be identified without using a real name, in an attempt to avoid identification by law enforcement.

In February of 2024, the Fillmore Police Station used a social media post seeking public assistance with identifying the subject responsible for the numerous graffiti vandalisms.

After several months and a lengthy investigation, detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and West County Special Enforcement Bureau were able to identify a suspect, (S) Manuel Apolinar a 20-year-old resident of Fillmore.

In October 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation obtained an arrest warrant for Apolinar.

On October 15th, 2024, Fillmore Patrol resources along with detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation executed the arrest of Apolinar at his residence located in the 800 block of Second Street in Fillmore.  Apolinar was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Pre-Trail Detention Facility where he was booked for his warrant which included one count of Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Vandalism] and four counts of Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(a) – [Misdemeanor Vandalism].  Apolinar is currently in custody with a $20,000.00 bail amount and is set to be arraigned October 16th, 2024. 

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed.  Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below.  The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal

The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti.  Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3.  Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.     

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office