Graffiti spree ends with arrest thanks to the assistance of crime data analysts

Crime Analysis Unit analysts played a key role in assisting officers and detectives in arresting a man connected to a series of graffiti vandalism. The words “Dope,” “Doper,” “South,” and “AAB Crew” were spray-painted more than a dozen times at locations in the W. Northfield Boulevard and MTCS Road area.

A crime data analyst assisted the investigation by establishing a timeline of when the vandalism was occurring.  An officer and detective set up surveillance in the area.  The detective observed 19-year-old Joshua Wiley Hearnes walking toward MTCS Road.  Hearnes was detained and later charged with vandalism over $1,000.00.

Detectives don’t believe the graffiti was gang related.

Hearnes was released on a $5,000 bond from the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. A hearing is set for June 16 in General Sessions Court.