ghosttruck
Level 57 Taco Wizard
The "Penis Man" graffiti artist is getting cocky: In just the last two weeks, the name has been scrawled across porta-potties at Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University dormitories, businesses, public equipment — even on the historic Hayden Flour Mill and the "A" landmark on Hayden Butte.
Last weekend, the tagger hit the front door of Tempe's municipal building.
Now, cops have declared war on Penis Man.
When Phoenix New Times reached out to Isaac Chavira, Tempe's transportation maintenance manager, for an update this week because of the new tags popping up, he referred questions to the Tempe Police Department.
Detective Natalie Barela got back to New Times today, confirming that Penis Man has penetrated new areas. After saying earlier this month there was no active effort to catch the virile vandal, cops will now try to arrest the offender. Yes, they're looking for tips.
"Based on this information the Tempe Police Department has opened an investigation in attempt to identify and apprehend person/s responsible," she said. "For investigation purposes, we will not be providing any additional details at this time."
Tempe Vice Mayor Lauren Kuby told New Times that she's not opposed to humor, but it's disappointing to see things like the historic flour mill defaced.
"It's like, I get that anything longer than it is wide is phallic, but at a certain point, you just shake your head," she said. "The public works staff has to work extra hours to clean that up."
While it's assumed Penis Man is a man, the identity and gender of the graffiti artist remain unknown. Penis Man copycats have almost certainly been taking up the cause, though it might take a handwriting analysis to be sure.
Tempe Police Declare War on 'Penis Man'
"The Tempe Police Department has opened an investigation in attempt to identify and apprehend person/s responsible."
www.phoenixnewtimes.com
