Media Advisory

25-108-0917

On April 7, 2025, SJPD Gang Investigations Unit (GIU) Detectives began an investigation into a gang-motivated vandalism string in the city of San José. During the investigation, Detectives discovered that multiple vandalism incidents with the same graffiti moniker, “GIZMO”, were reported between April 4, 2025 and April 22, 2025. Many of these incidents were reported via the City of San José’s 3-1-1 app, as well as by residents during community meetings.

GIU Detectives identified a 17-year-old juvenile male suspect responsible for the vandalism string. With the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect.

On May 3, 2025, GIU Detectives located the suspect in the city of San José. The suspect was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall for gang-motivated vandalism. During a probation search of the suspect’s vehicle, Detectives located various gang indicia and evidence of the crime.

"Once again our Gang Investigations Unit has shown that proactive police work, combined with community partnerships, can take down vandals who incite fear in our neighborhoods," stated SJPD Chief of Police Paul Joseph. "Our residents deserve to live in safe and clean communities, not ones shadowed by threats of gang violence."

"Our community will now be cleaner and one of our misguided youth will have the opportunity to make better choices," stated San José Mayor Matt Mahan. "SJPD Gang Investigations Unit continues to show that if you deface San José, you will be held accountable and you will have an opportunity to make amends by beautifying our city."

“Thank you to our residents for promptly reporting the graffiti through the City of San José 3-1-1 app and for their courageous act of sharing this information during community meetings," said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "This collaborative effort, between the community and the San José Police Department’s diligent work and responsive actions, reflects the shared commitment to maintaining safe, clean and welcoming neighborhoods for all.”

Anyone with information about these vandalism cases with the moniker “GIZMO” is asked to contact Detective Minkel #5003 of the San José Police Gang Investigations Unit via email: 5003@sanjoseca.gov or phone at 408-277-3835.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.

By: Stacie Shih #1559N
Authorized by: Lieutenant Habib #3993