NEWPORT BEACH Three men were arrested over the weekend in connection with the graffiti vandalism of several buildings along a stretch of the boardwalk lined with million-dollar homes on the Balboa Peninsula.

Police officers investigating another incident along W. Ocean Front, commonly known as the boardwalk by the city, at around 2:10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 were told by a witness that a group of men was spray painting graffiti in the area, Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said.

Police officers arrived at the first block of McFadden Place and arrested Jose Angel Carrillo, 22, and Melvin Salazar, 20, both of Santa Ana and Alberto Angeles, 18, of Fountain Valley on suspicion of vandalism, Manzella said Monday, Oct. 9.

Photos of the defaced properties, including homes, shows a street sign on 32nd Street and light poles marked up with graffiti in pink and black lettering. It was not immediately known if the tagging was related to gang activity.

The city requires graffiti on private property to be removed at the owner’s expense and tries to remove graffiti on public property within 48 hours.

To report a graffiti incident anywhere in the city or get information on removal services, call 949-644-3333.