Suspect in Downtown Vandalism Charged after 2 Month Investigation by Downtown Officer

Just over two months ago on the morning of October 11th, PSO Cristobal, the officer assigned to the downtown district, was notified of graffiti near the stage at the courthouse square. After more foot patrol, several more places where graffiti had been sprayed were found, nearing close to ten separate incidents. Buildings, dumpsters, transformers, vehicles and also the old jail doors were tagged with the same symbol and name. After further investigation, review of multiple video surveillance points, tips from the community and an interview, a suspect was formally charged with 6 separate counts of Damage to Property. 23 year old Luke Scelzo of Morganton, turned himself in on December 20th, 2023 and was jailed under a $5,000 secured bond. He has a court date of February 2nd, 2024 in Burke County District Court.