Outside Bill’s Liquors
April 21, 2015 By Christian Murray
They just had to leave their mark—and now they have been busted.
The police arrested two men earlier this month who they believe are responsible for spray-painting the tag SBR throughout Sunnyside, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
Francis Gallagher and Michael Martinez were arrested April 9 after they were seen tagging SBR on a wall near the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge. The police observed fresh spray paint on their hands—although Gallagher said he was responsible for spraying the tag.
The men were then linked to the SBR tags throughout Sunnyside and further charges were brought later that day, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office. Gallagher was cited as the individual most responsible for the tag.
Gallagher, 25, was arrested on multiple counts of criminal mischief and faces up to 3 years in prison, according to a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.
The criminal complaint against Gallagher ties him to several incidents in Sunnyside.
Cafe Bene
The police said Gallagher admitted to a series of offences such as spraying SBR on the walls at 42-26 43rd Avenue (Bill’s Liquors), 41-31 Queens Blvd (Café Bene), 39-13 Queens Blvd and the residential building located at 43-33 42nd Street. He also claimed responsibility for spraying a light pole.
A police officer at the 108 Precinct who was working on the case claimed that he doesn’t expect to see any new incidents.
Rachel Thieme, the executive director of Sunnyside Shines who has been working with the police on the case, said “I want to extend our thanks to the 108th precinct for the great police work,” adding that “this individual has caused significant property damage to Sunnyside businesses and I hope the arrest sends a message that this type of criminal act is not tolerated in Sunnyside.”
