SJPD Arrests Prolific Graffiti Vandals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

Between July of 2023 to April of 2025, San José Police Department Patrol Officers conducted a follow up investigation into prolific vandal "GOOB" who was involved in an estimated 100 vandalism incidents in the South Bay Area that targeted commercial, public, and private properties. The investigation revealed that "GOOB" was in a vandalism crew with two subjects who were utilizing the monikers "2LATE" and "STAPLE".

During the course of the investigation, Officers identified "STAPLE" as Sebastian Rodriguez of Los Banos and is believed to be involved in at least 17 vandalism incidents within San José.  Officers also identified "2LATE" as Brandon Arreola of San José and is believed to be involved in at least 14 incidents within San José.  Officers obtained arrest warrants for both suspects as well as search warrants for their residences.

On September 3, 2025, patrol Officers, with the assistance of the Special Operations Metro Unit, located and apprehended Suspect Sebastian Rodriguez, "STAPLE", in the city of Los Banos. During a search of his residence, Officers located large amounts of spray paint, graffiti tools, and a firearm.

 

 

Suspect Brandon Arreola, "2LATE", was located and apprehended in the city of San José. During a search of his residence, Officers located large amounts of spray paint and graffiti tools.

 

 

Suspect Rodriguez and Suspect Arreola were booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for crimes related to felony vandalism.

“Graffiti, no matter the content or the artistic talent of the person responsible, is a crime against someone else’s property," said 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.”

“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 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.”

“If you missed the kindergarten lesson about not drawing on walls, the San José Police Department will gladly give you a refresher,” said 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 about these or similar cases of vandalism involving the monikers of, “GOOB”, "2LATE", and "STAPLE" is asked to contact Officer Osborne #4242 or Officer Singh #5217 of the San José Police Department Central Division via email at: 4242@sanjoseca.gov or 5217@sanjoseca.gov

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.