Street artist Shepard Fairey arrested on outstanding vandalism warrant

Famed street artist SHEPARD FAIREY was taken into custody by airport police in Los Angeles last week (06Jul15) after immigration officers discovered a warrant for his arrest upon his return from Europe.
The graffiti master, who is best known for creating U.S. President Barack Obama’s ‘Hope’ posters, became a wanted man in Detroit, Michigan, last month (Jun15) after allegedly putting up posters on private and government-owned property.
He was identified as a suspect for two felonies relating to the malicious destruction of property, and his name was flagged as he passed through Los Angeles International Airport last Monday (06Jul15).
Douglas Baker, chief of criminal enforcement for the Detroit Law Department, says, “Our warrant was evidently discovered as he went through customs, and he was placed under arrest.”
The 45 year old spent one night behind bars, and city officials are now deciding when he must return to Detroit to face the charges.
Fairey, who has also created pieces for rockers the Rolling Stones and Tom Morello, could face up to five years behind bars if convicted.