3rd major graffiti tagging suspect arrested in Kennewick

A Kennewick man was arrested Friday on suspicion of causing $9,000 in damages for graffiti he’s left around the community.

He’s the third suspected major tagger arrested in six months in Kennewick.

Justin Tallant, 41, was taken into custody by Kennewick police on investigation of first-degree malicious mischief, a felony, when officers served a search warrant at a house on the 2000 block of South Tacoma Street.

Officials said Tallant has been using the graffiti tag “Slip” and “Lush” on markings around town, according to a police Facebook post.

He was booked into the Benton County jail and appeared briefly in court Tuesday.

Police said Tallant’s arrest follows investigations into other accused graffiti taggers who have used the names “Kapo,” “Gomer,” and “Yuck.”

Other graffiti suspects

Michael L. Fouse, 32, was arrested in December on charges of causing more than $11,000 in damage to walls, fences, trucks and more.

Investigators believe Fouse is a gang-related “tagger” known as “Kapo,” who has left his mark across the Tri-Cities since 2016.

He has been linked to 68 incidents of graffiti, they said, but the statute of limitations have passed for about 53 locations.

Then in January, Kennewick police arrested Jorge Corrales-Bejar, a suspect in more than $40,000 worth of graffiti vandalism.

They believed Corrales-Bejar, 30, had been painting graffiti in the city under the name “Yuck” for several years.

Police also found a handgun, even though Corrales-Bejar is barred from having guns because he’s a convicted felon.

Both men are still awaiting trial in Benton County.

Kennewick police ask if you know the identity of other graffiti taggers, you can submit an anonymous tip to www.kpdtips.com.