Cops bust graffiti punks in the act

Two alleged northeast Queens graffiti vandals, seeking notoriety by spray-painting their “tags,” are getting more than they bargained for - now everybody knows their name.
According to cops in the 111th Precinct, just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, Police Officer James Reilly caught Thomas Biordi, 20, of 190-16 33rd Avenue in Auburndale, in the act of “making graffiti.”
In a criminal complaint, it is alleged that Biordi was spraying the letters “JIS” in blue paint, on the wall of the Long Island Rail Road bridge at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Station Road, not far from his home.
Biordi allegedly ran, dropping the paint can, but was apprehended with blue paint on his hands. The can was also recovered, according to Queens DA Richard A. Brown.
Brown also said that Biordi flailed his arms and legs in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed.
The youth is charged with criminal mischief, making graffiti and resisting arrest, each of which carries a year in jail. He is also charged with possession of a graffiti instrument, which carries a three-month penalty.
He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Charles Lopresto and ordered to appear on October 29.
Less than a hour after Biordi was allegedly caught blue-handed, another alleged tagger was caught a short distance away.
According to Brown, cops grabbed Kevin Conklin, 17, of 149-43 20th Avenue in Whitestone at 2:48 a.m. with three spray cans. A witness allegedly told police Conklin and another youth, who was not caught, tagged a white van parked behind 195-42 39th Avenue, also in Auburndale.
The owner of the van came forward and now Conklin is charged with criminal mischief, making graffiti and three counts of possession of graffiti instruments, one for each spray can.
Judge Lopresto also released Conklin on his own recognizance, and ordered him back into court on Thursday, November 13. He’s also facing a year in jail if convicted.
“The department is taking graffiti very seriously,” said a police spokesperson, adding, “We’re going to make an example of every one of these vandals - maybe then they’ll think twice.”