Police: Spray Paint Leads to Road Rage Suspect

A Virginia State Police trooper was able to track down a suspect in a vehicle vandalism case by investigating the kind of spray paint used. It appears the incident was related to a road rage incident.

A roadwork crewman, 53, of Bluemont, was charged with one count of destruction of private property — a misdemeanor charge.

A trooper was called April 1 to investigate the vandalism on a man's GMC SUV at his Ashburn business. Fluorescent orange spray paint had been applied on the back of the tailgate and rear window, according to a Virginia State Police release.

The complainant suspected it was another driver who he'd passed on the way to work earlier in the day. The truck had followed him to his work, but then drove away. 

Recognizing the paint was similar to utility marks applied to grass in construction near underground utility lines, the trooper contacted various utility companies to determine if they recognized the description of the truck. He also stopped by several construction sites.

Driving in the area, the trooper spotted orange marker flags and similar paint — and then spotted the truck as it described by the victim. After further investigation, the truck driver was charged with the misdemeanor offense, which carries a $500 fine.