HOBART -- Police believe they caught a graffiti artist red-handed late Monday night when they arrested a 17-year-old Hobart youth allegedly in possession of spray paint.

The arrest comes on the heels of a spray-painting spree that marred four downtown businesses, as well as the police station.

Lt. Leo Finnerty said the youth will be charged later this week in Lake County Juvenile Court with several counts of mischief, a Class A misdemeanor.

If he were charged as an adult, the youth could be sentenced up to one year in prison and given a $5,000 fine if convicted, Finnerty said.

"He has admitted to some but not all of the graffiti," Finnerty said.

He said Officer Mike Weber saw the juvenile about 11:45 p.m. Monday carrying a satchel behind the Hobart post office, which is located on Main Street across from the Police Department.

He said that when the officer asked the youth if he could open the satchel the boy complied.

"When the officer opened it, he saw cans of spray paint, latex gloves with paint on them and several items believed to be involved in the spray painting," Finnerty said.

He said the youth, who told police he was preparing to paint more graffiti later that night, also provided police with the names of other youths who he said were involved.

Those two are being questioned by police, Finnerty said.

"This could be the beginning of the end of the artistry downtown," he said.

He said it's a shame when people have to ruin downtown buildings by painting graffiti.

"The city has spent so much on the downtown, and it's the prettiest it's been. Maybe we can send out a message that this won't be tolerated," Finnerty said.

He said police have gotten numerous calls from residents offering tips on the crime.

"It was nice to see the community come together on this," he said.

Hobart police on Monday morning held a news conference in regard to a $200 reward being offered to anyone with information about who was responsible for a graffiti spree downtown that occurred between 3 and 5 a.m. Saturday.

Finnerty said even though an arrest was made in the case, the reward is still in place and will be still be given to the individual who provides police with information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Damage, estimated at several hundred dollars, occurred at o the police station, the Art Theatre, Rosie O'Grady's, Brickie Photo and a vacant storefront.

Most of the damage occurred in alleys, the backs of buildings and an enclosed courtyard, he said.

Deborah Laverty can be reached at dlaverty@nwitimes.com or at (219)662-5324.