Suspect arrested for tagging train cars
Melquiedes Anastacio Rodriguez, 24-year-old resident of Santa Maria
On Sunday, at about 1:25 p.m. San Luis Obispo Police officers responded to the report of possible trespassers along the railroad tracks between Industrial and Tank Farm Road.
The first officers on the scene observed two men actively spray painting or “tagging” cars of a train that was stopped along the tracks.
Other officers arrived on scene and as they went to contact them, the suspects ran in different directions.
After searching several neighborhoods, an officer located one of the suspects several blocks away. The suspect was caught and arrested after a foot pursuit.
The suspect was identified as Melquiedes Anastacio Rodriguez, 24, of Santa Maria. He was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail for violations of 594(b)(1) PC and 148 (a)(1) PC with a bail of $20,000.
Union Pacific Railroad was contacted and advised of the vandalism to their equipment. They estimated the replace/repair cost to be over $10,000.00.
One of the subjects is still outstanding. If anyone has any additional information, please contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department at (805) 781-7313.
