OTHELLO — An Othello man was booked on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm and third-degree malicious mischief after two reports of graffiti in and around Othello Thursday. A juvenile was arrested in connection with one of the incidents.  

Dario Ochoa Jr., 26, was arrested following reports of graffiti in the area of West June Street west of Othello, said Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner in a media release.  

A person witnessed the incident and took a photograph of a car suspected of involvement and provided a description of a suspect, Wagner said. The suspects left the area before ACSO deputies arrived. 

While that incident was under investigation, a separate graffiti incident was reported at PJ Taggares Park, which is within the Othello city limits. The Othello Police Department arrested the juvenile in connection with that incident. 

During the investigation at Taggeres Park, Wagner said, ACSO deputies learned that the car suspected of involvement in the West June Street incident was seen at the park. 

“The vehicle, however, left before law enforcement could contact the driver,” Wagner said.  

Deputies shared the description of the suspect vehicle and asked OPD officers to be on the lookout for it, he said.  

“Later that night, Othello police officers located the vehicle within the city limits and notified deputies,” Wagner said. “Deputies responded and contacted (Ochoa), who matched the description provided by the citizen earlier in the day. Deputies detained Ochoa during the investigation and located a firearm in his possession. Ochoa is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.”  

Wagner expressed appreciation to the OPD for their cooperation and assistance.  

“The ACSO would like to recognize the citizen who promptly reported the suspicious activity, documented the vehicle involved and provided deputies with valuable information,” he said. “This case is another example of strong teamwork between our agencies and the community.”