Two teens arrested in painting of swastika at Bayshore condo, also suspected in Virage damage

TAMPA — Two teenagers snuck into the parking garage of Bayshore Regency Condominiums and painted a neon green swastika and other graffiti in the early morning hours of May 30, Tampa police say.

Mark Alan Griffiths Jr., 18, and a 17-year-old were arrested June 3 and charged with criminal mischief. The two also spray painted "YMCA" and "SS," a Nazi symbol, in the garage at 3435 Bayshore Blvd., police say. They were captured on the building's security system between 5 and 6 a.m.

READ MORE: New Virage condo tower on Bayshore Boulevard damaged by possible vandalism

Police found spray-paint cans in Griffiths' bedroom. The building's manager told police there was about $75 worth of damage to the building.

Police believe the suspects may also be connected to a vandalism incident down the street at the Virage condo tower now under construction. In that incident, teenagers are believed to have broken into the Virage on June 2 and damaged elevator equipment. The case is still under investigation and no arrests have been made.

Contact Kavitha Surana at ksurana@tampabay.com or 727-893-8149. Follow @Ksurana6 .