Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrests suspect for gang-related graffiti

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Reports of gang-related graffiti throughout Douglas County has led to the arrest of a suspect on multiple charges.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to a call on Monday, January 31 to reports of graffiti in various areas of Gardnerville, including three stop signs at the intersection of Manhattan Way and Tillman Lane, a sign at Dresslerville Road and Tillman Lane, and both sides of Lutheran Bridge.

Additional graffiti was later located on a residential fence along Waterloo Lane, in the area of Lampe Park. The graffiti was identified as being gang-related by the Regional Gang Task Force (RGTF), comprised of Douglas County and Lyon County deputies.

The following day, RGTF investigators identified the suspect as Rafael Chapa.

RGTF investigators conducted a traffic stop on Chapa, who admitted to being a gang member, and after evidence of his crimes was located, he was placed under arrest for the graffiti, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit a crime, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, providing false identification to delay prosecution, and traffic offenses. Chapa was later identified as a suspect in a theft that occurred at Walmart during the weekend.

The public is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office if any other graffiti is located. Please call the non-emergency line at 775-782-5126.