Update: Teen Rearrested as Suspected Tagger 5 Days After Release to Mother

Updated at 8:45 a.m. Thursday

Five days after being arrested as the suspected “BOSTON” graffiti vandal and released to his mother, a La Mesa 17-year-old was rearrested Tuesday for the same offense and one other, authorities said.

“He got arrested on August 23 for vandalism and 69 [Penal Code]—threatening an officer,” police Lt. Dan Willis said Wednesday.  “He was arrested at Helix High School.”

Willis said the unidentified boy’s latest taggings have been painted out as far as he knew.

“The threats were directed toward La Mesa police officers,” Willis said.  “We’re not releasing the details of the threats.  The subject was taken to Juvenile Hall and booked there.”

Last week, La Mesa detectives executed a search warrant in the 7100 block of Waite Drive after an investigation lasting several weeks into numerous graffiti incidents throughout the city.

Someone began tagging “BOSTON” throughout La Mesa in early July, Willis said.

“Since that time, the suspect vandalized property on 71 different occasions, causing damage estimated to be at $8,000,” he said.

The mother is not being charged in the case, Willis said Thursday, but   could potentially incur financial liability for the damage done if her son is found guilty.