Teen arrested for gang-inspired graffiti tags


Published: Monday, May 23, 2011


By KEITH PHUCAS
Times Herald Staff

COURTHOUSE — A Norristown teenager is being charged in juvenile court for allegedly spray painting graffiti that pays homage to one of America’s most violent gangs, and though the extent of his vandalism in the borough is significant, authorities are not convinced he has any legitimate gang ties.

The 17-year-old boy, an East Main Street resident, has been charged with felony criminal mischief and institutional vandalism, according to Norristown police Chief Russell Bono. The damage is estimated at $5,000.

A patrol officer caught the juvenile near a plumbing supply store on East Main Street bearing the familiar graffiti tag, “P.P.L. 13â€