“Caveman” arrested in Lancaster Edward Simmett "Caveman" facing 72 counts of vandalism

04/19/2012

"Caveman" arrested in Lancaster - On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Deputies assigned to Lancaster Station's Community Oriented Response and Enforcement (CORE) team, arrested Edward Simmett AKA "Caveman" who is suspected of committing 72 acts of vandalism that resulted in nearly $35,000 in property damage to the downtown Lancaster area.

In the early morning hours of Sunday April15, 2012, Lancaster station received a report of a person committing vandalism on Lancaster Boulevard. When deputies arrived, they found several signs and storefronts that had "Caveman" painted on them. As the deputies searched the area for the suspect, they found a total of 72 separate locations that had "Caveman" freshly painted in red on them.

The investigation was assigned to CORE Team Deputies Deloof and Goedecke. Using surveillance video they received from several businesses in the area, they quickly identified Simmett as the suspect. Within hours, they located and arrested Simmett in the 1100 block of West Avenue K.

Simmett is being charged with felony vandalism and his bail is set at $20,000.

"First, I want to say thank you to the citizens who had the courage to speak up and report the crime they saw being committed," said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. "Secondly, I'd like to reiterate crime doesn't pay here in Lancaster, but you will pay when you're caught."

Lancaster Station Captain, Bob Jonsen commented:

The quick arrest of this suspect surely prevented further acts of vandalism. I am very proud of the relationship which Lancaster Station has with the residents of our city. Their willingness to partner with us helps make our city a safer place to raise our families.

Remember, if you see something, say something.



http://nixle.com/alert/4815325/

Thursday April 19th, 2012 :: 03:04 p.m. PDT



Michael Rust, Deputy

Lancaster Sheriff's Station

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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