KCBA News

Santa Cruz, Ca – A 21-year-old Petaluma man suspected with tagging buildings and property throughout the West Coast from Seattle to Bakersfield is behind bars following a lengthy investigation by detectives from the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Derek Murphy was taken into custody after authorities tracked him down at his home in Petaluma. Police say Murphy used the tag “BERG” or “GREB” to vandalize city parks, walls, fences and even two police vehicles.

Police served a search warrant at two homes, one in Petaluma and another in American Canyon. During the search, police seized a portfolio of taggings, sketch books, canvas art, photos and images stores on computers that show multiple taggings on public and private property in several locations.