Amador County – The Jackson Police Department reported late Wednesday that they have apprehended two suspects for a string of graffiti vandalism’s throughout the city. According to Jackson Police Captain Christy Stidger, the crimes on which the arrests were based began January 1st, when as many as 17 separate graffiti “tags” were discovered on houses, vehicles and businesses along Court Street, Clinton Bar Road, Water Street, French Bar Road and Center Street. The property damage is said to be extensive. The arrests took place along Highway 49 late Wednesday afternoon. Investigating Officer Jeff Courtney, who spent a week straight investigating the case, was joined by Jackson Police Chief Scott Morrison and two others in arresting Michael Lyle, 18, of Pioneer, and Kyle Boynton, 18, who lives in Jackson near where the vandalisms took place. Both young men are admitted members of the “Savage Minded” sect of the Norteños, a violent Northern California coalition of traditionally Latino gangs born in the prison system. Lyle is currently on probation for gang-related offenses. Boynton was dressed in red when he was arrested, the official color of the Norteños. In researching the case, Courtney conducted extensive interviews and followed leads in person and on networking sites like Facebook- all leading back to the two suspects. Stidger said the arrest was made immediately after Jackson Police received intelligence indicating that more serious criminal activity was soon to take place. She said they have another arrest pending and “still have people who will probably get arrested.” Deputy Todd Smith, Gang Intelligence Officer for the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, told TSPN that gang activity is an increasing problem in rural counties. “Just like any other business, you need more people to keep your business afloat. By coming to a rural county…they can easily entice somebody that doesn’t have a lot of city exposure and get them to become gang members,” he said. Smith said there is a direct influence and pressure for gang recruits from San Jose, South Sacramento, Stockton and El Dorado Hills, among other locations. Local gang activity has been connected to assaults, thefts and vandalism. Smith said anyone who notices signs of gang activity in their area, such as criminal activity or gang paraphernalia, should contact law enforcement so they can document the incident. In this case, Captain Stidger urged anyone with further information on the case to contact the Jackson Police Department at (209) 223-1771. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.