WHITTIER, CA—Most folks tend to use a firearm, car or some other significant weapon when setting out to create mayhem, but some are frugal in their attempts to deface, damage and destroy property and people.
Erick Aldridge, 19, and Randall Garcia, 19, were apprehended by Whittier Police Department officers on Monday, August 4 at approximately 12:30 p.m. The two men who were arrested live across the street from each other along the 7700 block of Comstock Avenue in Whittier. The laundry list of charges above and beyond a “defacement” indicate that they may not have been merely strolling down opposite sides of the street but actively attempting to thwart officers involved with their arrest.
The two men were charged with “Defacement with paint less than $400” (594(a)1(b)(2)(A) PC-M); “participation in street criminal activity” (186.22(A) PC-F); “threats to commit crimes resulting in death or great bodily injury” (422 PC-F); “battery against [a] peace officer, emergency tech, etc., in performance of their duties” (243(B) PC-M); “resist[ing], delay[ing] or obstruct[ing] any public officer, peace officer or emergency medical technician” (148(A)(1) PC-M); “damage to property under $400” (594(a)(2)(b)(2)(A) PC); and “resisting or threatening officer” (69 PC-F).
Garcia had been picked up just two weeks ago on charges of exhibiting a deadly weapon, making threats, and attempted robbery. Both he and Aldridge are associated with the Whittier Varrio Locos gang, according to their Facebook pages.
Whittier police did not comment on the color of the paint nor the nature of the damage done by the two prior to their encounter with officers.
