Police arrest 5Pointz taggers, a first for graffiti mecca

A group of at least six people was arrested Wednesday for tagging the 5Pointz building, in the latest round of tit-for-tat since owner Jerry Wolkoff whitewashed the graffiti haven Monday night.

The taggers were arrested after writing “RIP 5Pointz” in marker on the Long Island City site, protesting the recent white paint job, 5Pointz spokeswoman Marie Flageul told DNAinfo.

Two men and an unnamed 16-year-old girl received desk appearance tickets for criminal mischief and making graffiti, law enforcement officials told DNAinfo. Another trio was handed desk appearance tickets for plastering stickers at the Court Street/Jackson Avenue subway stop, police told DNAinfo.

Flageul has attempted to discourage taggers from marking the building since Monday’s whitewash, noting via Twitter that an outlet is needed where fans “can press [sic] their farewell,” as @5PointzNYC tweeted in reference to the impending demolition of the complex, which Wolkoff plans to replace with two residential rental towers.

According to organizers cited by DNAinfo, Wednesday’s arrests mark the first time that anyone has been arrested for tagging the building, known for its collection of work from famous graffiti artists. [DNAinfo] — Julie Strickland