Longtime graffiti artist caught in the act in the Bronx

BRONX (WABC) -- A longtime subway graffiti vandal who has reportedly caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage was arrested early Monday inside a Bronx subway storage facility.

Investigators say 37-year-old Luis Arroyo was nabbed in the act of spray-painting two subway cars around 2 a.m. and admitted to other incidents dating back to 2012.

It is estimated that he has caused at least $20,000 in damage during that time.

Arroyo, a Mace Avenue resident, was seen writing "HEZE" on the cars as they sat in the Unionport Yard, primarily used as a storage facility for the MTA's no. 2 and no. 5 subway trains.

Arroyo's first arrest, for scribbling with a marker on a door outside a SoHo building, came when he was 19.

Throughout the five boroughs, the number of individuals arrested for making graffiti has risen 13 percent in 2014, through Sunday, according to the department's latest statistics. So far this year, 839 people have been charged, compared to 742 in 2013.

"This continuing joint effort between the police department and the MTA helps us get such crime recidivists off the street," NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said. "And we're going to keep putting the pressure on those who commit these acts."

Arroyo is charged with criminal mischief, making graffiti and possession of a graffiti instrument.