Vandal scribes political messages on PD

The Maricopa Police Department arrested a man earlier this month they believe to be responsible for vandalizing the main police station and parts of a nearby neighborhood with politically charged messages.

At approximately 4:03 p.m. on Feb. 8 the suspected vandal, Juan Hernandez-Sebastian, allegedly spray-painted profanity-laced political graffiti on a rear wall of the station located off White and Parker Road.

The messages made references to, among other things, President Trump and DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Sebastian was arrested later that same day when he was found walking along railroad tracks in a restricted area. He had in his possession spray paint, a violation of city code. Along with the code violation Sebastian was arrested and charged with two counts of criminal damage and a third count of trespassing. Impressions of his shoes were taken for a comparison to shoeprints found at the scene.

Painted on the MPD wall, alongside the references to Donald Trump and DACA, was another powerful, albeit subtle, political reference to Los Niños Héroes, or the Boy Heroes.

The Boy Heroes were a group of six young Mexican cadets known for defending to their deaths a castle near Mexico City during the Mexican-American War in 1847. The teenage soldiers all died while guarding the castle at Chapultepec from the massive American forces advancing on the capitol. For their fight, they have been elevated to a near legendary status in Mexico and thus have become a symbol of Mexican pride.

Maricopa Police spokesperson Ricardo Alvarado said the department is aware of the significance of the reference, however, there have been no other incidents of graffiti or vandalism where Niños Héroes were referenced.

It is unknown if the suspect made any statements about the messages while in custody.

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If any residents have seen “Niños Héroes” in use around Maricopa or elsewhere in the valley, or are aware of any social movements or organizations using the reference, please contact InMaricopa’s editorial department at [email protected]. In the email please include as many details as possible including location, affiliation and a photograph if possible. Sources may choose to remain anonymous.