2 arrested for vandalism after Hollywood Hills mansion covered in graffiti

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) – Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of vandalizing a Hollywood Hills mansion that was constantly defaced with graffiti and even taken over by squatters, police confirmed Thursday.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers patrolling the 7500 block of Mulholland Drive made the arrests Wednesday morning.

Some community members alerted officers that two suspects had just vandalized the property with spray paint before fleeing in a white Mercedes sedan. A short time later they found the car and took her into custody.

They were identified as Jacob Smith and Thomia Fagan.

Several spray cans and a loaded, unregistered firearm were found in one of her bags, police said.

The arrests came after neighbors along Multiview and Mulholland drives described the abandoned mansion as a headache and security risk. The house is covered in graffiti from taggers, and squatters have been coming and going from the property for more than two years.

A neighbor said 911 had been called several times in the past week.

“Every time we call, the police come and clear the place out, and then within an hour or two, five more people show up and stay the night,” said the neighbor, who did not want to be identified.

Last week, Eyewitness News apparently captured three taggers who were leaving the house when private security stepped in to get them out.

According to public records, the property owner is John Powers Middleton – the same person who owns another Hollywood Hills mansion that was also taken over by squatters. Eyewitness News reported on the dilapidated conditions at the property a year ago.

Middleton's father is the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.