Over the weekend, a male suspect decided to vandalize the police department, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
That turned out to not exactly be a smart move—especially with so much extra horsepower on duty during the 4th of July weekend.
The FPD’s Mounted Unit and motor officers quickly responded, tracking the suspect down and taking him into custody.
Nice try—but it’s not the FPD’s first rodeo!
So, what kind of trouble is this suspect in now?
In California, vandalism is taken seriously—especially when it involves public property like a police station. Under California Penal Code § 594, the penalties depend on the extent of the damage:
- If the damage is under $400, it’s typically charged as a misdemeanor. That can mean up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
- If the damage is $400 or more, it may be charged as a felony. That carries potential jail time of up to 3 years and fines up to $10,000—or even $50,000 if the damage is extensive.
- Restitution is also required, meaning the suspect will likely have to pay for repairs.
- Community service and probation are common additions, especially if graffiti is involved.
