2 days Ago
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police arrested a wanted graffiti vandal Thursday after seizing more than 1,500 cans of spray paint worth over $10,000 from his Southeast Portland home back in June. James S.
Fischel, 40, was arrested at his home and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a warrant for multiple counts of first- and second-degree criminal mischief, Portland police said. In June, officers served a search warrant at the home located in the area of Southeast 174th Avenue near Mill Street. At the time, Portland police said Fischel was out of the area, but added that they knew where he was and were pursuing criminal charges.
On Sept. 3, Fischel was indicted on seven counts total of criminal mischief. Portland police said Fischel is responsible for GIMER tags across the city.
PPB said GIMER stands for "Graffiti Is Me Escaping Reality." Officials also accused Fischel of providing supplies to graffiti vandals. PPB officers first learned of Fischel in May 2024 when they were directed to a docuseries published on YouTube named " CHAOSTOWN" that includes an episode titled "Portland is losing the 'graffiti war'" that featured Fischel.
In the video, Fischel tried to conceal his identity, police said, but two officers were able to positively identify him and where he lives. Portland police are continuing to investigate Fischel and other graffiti vandalism in the city. Anyone with information on vandals is asked to email tips to investigators at crimetips@police.
portlandoregon.gov attn: Central NRT..
