Arrest after Facebook tip in Calif. riot vandalism

[August 19, 2013]  HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities in a Southern California beach community say they tracked down a suspected vandal after he "liked" photos on the police department's Facebook page of patrol cars damaged in a riot that followed a popular surf contest.

Huntington Beach police say 18-year-old Luis Enrique Rodriguez of Anaheim was taken into custody Friday on vandalism charges for allegedly scrawling obscenities on the side of police cruisers.

The Orange County Register reported Sunday (http://bit.ly/16X9HD2) that investigators identified Rodriguez after the activity on the Huntington Beach Police Department's Facebook page produced a series of tips.

The damage took place during mob violence last month that followed a surfing tournament in the community.

An off-duty firefighter was among those arrested after a mob broke windows, looted and fought along the downtown streets.

Rodriguez was arrested by Anaheim police.

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Information from: The Orange County Register, http://www.ocregister.com/

[Associated Press]

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