VAN NUYS : Plea Entered Over Police Car Graffiti
A Reseda man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of vandalizing a police car that had responded to a loud house party in Reseda.
Jose Guzman, 22, a reputed member of a Reseda gang, allegedly slashed two tires on the Los Angeles Police Department unit while a juvenile sprayed graffiti on the cruiser.
The juvenile is accused of painting “187”--the penal code section for murder--on the car.
“What it comes down to is participating in graffiti-ing the police car with an invitation to murder,” said Deputy City Atty. Gary Geuss. “It’s no joke (because) other gang members may take him up.”
The incident occurred Aug. 21 when police twice responded to a boisterous party on the 19000 block of Lanark Street in Reseda, Geuss said. After officers arrived the second time, Guzman and his accomplice allegedly attacked the vehicle in retribution.
Van Nuys Municipal Judge Alan Ellis set a Dec. 9 trial date at which prosecutors will try to prove two charges against Guzman--vandalism and vehicle tampering.
Guzman is free on $13,000 bond he posted hours after being arrested on Aug. 22.
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