Boise man faces vandalism charges

BOISE (AP) - A 20-year-old Boise man is accused of being a prolific graffiti vandal linked to 342 incidents causing about $217,000 in damage.

Authorities tell KTVB-TV that Matthew Erickson Armstrong faces five counts of felony malicious injury to property.

Armstrong was already in the Ada County Jail on a probation violation when the new charges were made Tuesday.

Police say he targeted homes, businesses, schools, fences and more.

Boise Police Department Capt. Steve Myers says graffiti is one of the most commonly complained about crimes in the city.

He says the quick removal of graffiti and arrests of several prolific taggers has helped reduce the problem in the last three years.