Arrest made in vandalism of Merced WWII memorial

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Merced County sheriff's deputies believe they've captured the suspect responsible for vandalizing a World War II memorial. Gerardo Valencia, of Merced, was taken into custody shortly after 2 p.m. Friday.

Valencia is accused of spray-painting the war memorial monument in Merced's Courthouse Park back on Jan. 10, even posing for a picture that Merced County News Television provided to Action News.

Officials say the suspect was confronted by a park patron during the crime. Valencia reportedly assaulted the man and his dog with a weapon. The victim and his dog were not injured.