Police find N.J. man hiding in brush after chasing him from billboard's catwalk.
Christian Santacroce of New Jersey has been accused of painting "FALSE" and "Avery" on Burger King billboard on West side of I-81 as a message to his girlfriend Avery, who lives in an SU residence hall on the other side of the highway. Damage was estimated at $1,500.Syracuse, NY -- A New Jersey man trying to send a message to his girlfriend in a Syracuse University residence hall is facing a felony.
To send the message, Syracuse police said Christian D. Santacroce, 18, of 1505 Buckingham Circle, Middletown, N.J., did $1,500 damage to the Burger King billboard across Interstate 81 from the SU campus.
Santacroce was charged early Monday with criminal mischief, a felony, and criminal trespass, making graffiti and possession of a graffiti instrument.
An officer on the Adams Street entrance to I-81 spotted Santacroce about 2 a.m. on the Burger King billboard’s catwalk. Painted behind Santacroce on the billboard were large yellow and black lettering spelling “FALSE.” In black letters was the name: “Avery.”
When Santacroce saw police, he ran along the railroad tracks, police said. He was found near Taylor Street trying to hide in the brush, police said.
Santacroce told police he painted the sign for his girlfriend, Avery, who lives in student housing across from the I-81 billboard.