Surveillance footage leads to the arrest of three from February incident

An observant citizen aided Costa Mesa Police Department Gang officers in the arrest of three alleged taggers Thursday.

Lani Nmn Kilma, 26, and David Pena and Erick Huipe, both 20, were arrested for painting graffiti on Miner Street alley walls, close to Joann Street.

The three Costa Mesa residents were caught on surveillance camera by an onlooker who watched them exit from a Dodge four-door vehicle from the late ‘90s. The driver sprayed paint on large sections of the east and west walls, while the passengers kept a watchful eye, police reports said about the incident, which occurred in February.

While the three suspects fled southbound along Miner Street, Gang officers identified them and issued arrest warrants by using the video footage.

On Thursday, two arrests were conducted at separate locations in the city and Pena surrendered shortly after noon.

Per official documents, the three suspects were charged with felony vandalism and related gang charges, and taken to the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana.

— Rhea Mahbubani

Twitter: @RMahbubani