San Jose: Police arrest Veterans Memorial vandalism suspect

SAN JOSE — A suspect in the recent vandalism of the San Jose Veterans Memorial was taken into custody at his home Thursday, an arrest police say was helped made possible by tips from the community.

Martin Ruiz Vivanco, 39, of San Jose, was identified by San Jose police as the person responsible for defacing the memorial at Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard on May 6.

The case was investigated by the department’s Street Crimes Unit, who worked “tirelessly” to make an arrest ahead of the Memorial Day observance, according to police.

“I’d like to say that while this was not a violent crime, the department recognizes the importance of bringing to justice those responsible for defacing the Veterans Memorial and restoring the honor to those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice, something that the men and women in law enforcement understand all too well,” San Jose police Lt. Elle Washburn, who supervises the street crimes unit, said in a statement.

Vivanco was booked into Santa Clara County jail on felony vandalism and possession of vandalism tools charges. Officer Gina Tepoorten said Vivanco was booked on a felony vandalism charge because he allegedly caused $6,500 in damage, well above the $400 that triggers a felony.

Tepoorten said detectives received tips from the public following the first police press release regarding the vandalism published May 9. Those tips helped detectives identify Vivanco as a suspect.

“We are pleased to have made an arrest prior to observance of Memorial Day,” Tepoorten said.

A Facebook profile with the name Martin Ruiz Vivanco, who identifies as a “street artist and graffiti” from San Jose, posted an image of graffiti on May 4 that appears similar to the tagging on the Veterans Memorial.

San Jose police would not confirm if the Facebook page belonged to the suspect, or if the social media postings played a role in the arrest.

The incident marks at least the second time vandals have damaged the memorial, which was dedicated in 1997 and consists of a glass wall with the stories of local veterans and a grove of 76 poles bearing white flags. Symphony Silicon Valley president Andrew Bales, who led the original fundraising campaign for the memorial and continues to serve as a steward for the publicly displayed artwork, said the previous incident involved drunken festival goers who shattered the glass panels.

But the vandalism earlier this month marked the first time the memorial had been sprayed with graffiti.

“It is a remembrance item, a commemorative piece of public art that is important to the veteran community and the community as a whole,” Bales said. “It was disturbing to have it tagged.”

The paint has already been removed and the memorial is “all in good repair,” Bales said.

Anyone with information about the vandalism can contact Officer Tim Peterson at 408-277-4166. Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

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