Man arrested for felony vandalism

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Mar 19 2026

ATASCADERO — On March 6, the Atascadero Police Department arrested Michael Josiah Brown, 20, of Grover Beach, in connection with multiple graffiti incidents in downtown Atascadero.

Around 1:30 a.m., a police sergeant spotted Brown allegedly spray-painting graffiti on the wall of a local business in the 5900 block of Entrada Avenue. When approached, Brown fled the scene but was later found hiding behind Malibu Brew on West Mall and taken into custody without incident.

Investigators discovered fresh graffiti at two nearby businesses displaying the name of Brown’s band. Officers believe the vandalism was done to promote the band after a performance earlier that evening.

Brown was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail for felony vandalism and misdemeanor resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer. The investigation remains active as officers work to identify any accomplices.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.