Just before 10:45 p.m. on Friday, October 27, a Pittsburgh Police Graffiti Squad detective was conducting an undercover surveillance detail on the Anderson Bridge when he observed two males on bikes stop in the middle of the bridge and pull spray paint cans from a backpack. He also overheard them discuss where they had painted previous tags at that location. 

For the past several weeks the bridge has been tagged almost daily with graffiti. The Department of Public works has been painting over the numerous tags which have been mainly vulgar in nature, scrawled on the barriers and deck, and spanning the entire length of the bridge. 

The detective notified dispatch that he was observing two males actively spray-painting graffiti. A patrol officer working nearby responded to assist with the arrests.  

The two males, both 20 years of age, were arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief – Intentionally Damaging Property, Possessing Instruments of Crime, and Criminal Conspiracy. They were transported to the Allegheny County Jail and later released on their own recognizance to appear in court at a later date. 

The damage estimate is $1000.