Everett Police arrest 4 teens for gang graffiti and stolen firearms
Jun 19, 2025, 2:00 PM
Gang graffiti investigations led police to teenagers with guns, Everett PD said. (Photo courtesy of Everett Police Department)
(Photo courtesy of Everett Police Department)
An investigation into gang-related graffiti has led to the arrests of four teenagers in possession of guns, Everett Police said.
The probe began in March after officers hosted a community event to paint over graffiti in the 1100 block of W. Casino Road, near Walter E. Hall Park. Just days later, witnesses reported seeing four people get out of a car and tag a fence there with gang graffiti.
“On April 3, 2025, the Everett Police Violent Crime Unit (VCU) and south patrol officers located the suspect vehicle using the Flock Safety System License Plate Readers (LPRs),” Everett Police said in a Facebook post. “The occupants of the vehicle were identified, and officers observed cans of spray paint and alcohol inside the vehicle, which was later towed pending a search warrant. The occupants of the vehicle included a 15-year-old male, a 15-year-old female, and an 18-year-old male.”
Police recovered three loaded pistols from that vehicle.
Everett’s gang-related graffiti near Lions Park
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On April 26, volunteers painted over gang-related graffiti along 75th St SE, across from Lions Park. The fence was tagged with gang graffiti the following evening. Police identified a suspect vehicle and a 17-year-old suspect. He was located on May 14 during a traffic stop in South Everett. He admitted he was gang-affiliated, police said.
They added that he was in possession of a stolen firearm with an extended magazine.
On May 6, police again received a report of graffiti vandalism in the 1100 block of W. Casino Road. Police stopped a vehicle pulling away from the scene. They detained everyone in the car, including the 18-year-old driver. Officers found a stolen firearm in that vehicle.
“The connection between gang graffiti and violence is incredibly troubling, especially as we see more young people drawn into this dangerous cycle,” Mayor Cassie Franklin said. “We know that when a young person is carrying a firearm, they are likely one conflict away from tragedy—taking someone else’s life and derailing their own. That’s why we are treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. Our focus remains on preventing violence before it happens: through partnerships, upstream solutions, and holding people accountable when necessary.”
Four teenagers face charges
According to Everett Police:
• A 15-year-old female was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements.
• A 15-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of Graffiti Implements.
• A 17-year-old male was booked into the Denny Juvenile Justice Center for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2 and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
• An 18-year-old male was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for Minor in Possession and additional weapons violations.”
“Evidence shows that gang-related graffiti is directly linked to violent acts, and the multiple arrests and gun charges resulting from our recent investigations underscore that concerning relationship,” Chief John DeRousse said. “Firearms in the hands of young people are a particularly volatile and tragic combination. We are seeing guns used to settle disputes, retaliate against perceived threats, or gain status — and it’s putting lives at risk.”
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
