San Jose police arrest suspected ‘Byes' tagger after $200,000 in graffiti damage
Feb 04, 2026
Officers in San Jose arrested a man they allege is responsible for over $200,000 worth of damage due to his prolific graffiti tagging, police said.
Andrew Estrada, 21, allegedly used the moniker “Byes” to tag public spaces such as walls, overpasses and abandoned buildings. Investigators belie
ve he sprayed graffiti on city property over 20 times, causing over $40,000 in damage. Other private and public properties in other jurisdictions were allegedly painted as well, costing over $200,000, police said Tuesday.
Estrada was allegedly tied to a vandalism case from Jan. 26 on a railroad trestle near Old Oakland Road in San Jose, which caused $80,000 in damage.
A search and arrest warrant was issued for Estrada, who police also believed was in possession of a loaded gun, despite being prohibited from owning or being in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Last week, Estrada was located and arrested in San Jose. A search of his residence allegedly uncovered spray paint, paint cans, brushes, markers, slap tags, sketch pads and bolt cutters.
Estrada was booked into jail on suspicion of felony vandalism and other crimes.
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