Two arrests made in connection to Steinbeck Plaza vandalism
Two women were arrested recently in connection to graffiti vandalism in the Steinbeck Plaza on Cannery Row.
On the morning of April 30, Monterey police officers were called to the Steinbeck Plaza in the 700 block of Cannery Row on reports of extensive graffiti vandalism. When police arrived, they said multiple areas of the plaza had been defaced, including statues, tables and walls. The spray paint and marker graffiti caused an estimated thousands of dollars worth of damage according to police.
The graffiti was cleaned up almost immediately, according to Lt. Ethan Andrews with the Monterey Police Department.
Surveillance footage identified two female suspects. Both suspects were caught on camera participating in the vandalism, marking multiple locations within the plaza. Marina Aiwaz, 28, of Marina was identified through the footage and detectives secured a search and arrest warrant for her.
The following night, with assistance from officers with Cal State Monterey Bay, MPD detectives located and arrested Aiwaz at Divarty and General Jim Moore on the university campus. Aiwaz was accompanied by Jhoana Morales-Lopez, 22, of Marina. Detectives recognized Morales-Lopez from the surveillance video and she was also taken into custody.
When detectives searched Aiwaz’s vehicle and residence, they found items that could be used for vandalism, including spray paint cans, markers and etching tools.
The two suspects were booked into the Monterey County Jail on conspiracy and felony vandalism charges. Their bail was set at $10,000 each.
Since the arrests, police have connected Aiwaz and Morales-Lopez with similar graffiti at businesses along Lighthouse Avenue and are pursuing additional charges, said Andrews.
A similar incident occurred on the CSUMB campus on April 28. The recently unveiled Otters for Life statue, funded by alumni donations, was defaced with messages using obscene language seemingly targeted at the university’s housing department.
Andrews said there is no relation at this time between the CSUMB vandalism and the incident at the Plaza, but both investigations are still ongoing.
The public is encouraged to contact Sergeant Greg Galin at (831) 646-3872 with relevant information. Anonymous tips can be called in at (831) 646-3840.
