Graffiti Spree in Murfreesboro Leads to Arrest With Help from Crime Data Analysts

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (WGNS) – A series of graffiti vandalism incidents in Murfreesboro has come to an end, thanks in part to the behind-the-scenes work of the Murfreesboro Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit.

Over a dozen locations near W. Northfield Boulevard and MTCS Road were tagged with spray-painted words such as "Dope," "Doper," "South," and "AAB Crew." The repeated vandalism prompted an investigation by patrol officers, detectives, and crime data analysts.

A crime analyst helped narrow down the timeline of when the incidents were taking place, allowing officers to focus their efforts. That information led to a surveillance operation in the affected area.

During the surveillance, a detective spotted 19-year-old Joshua Wiley Hearnes walking toward MTCS Road. Hearnes was detained and later charged with vandalism exceeding $1,000 in damages.

Police do not believe the graffiti is gang-related.

Hearnes was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center and released on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on June 16.