CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) - The city has billed a man almost $475 for cleaning up a spray-painted memorial to his son who died in a crash.

Jeffry Stewart, 17, of Cedar Rapids, died Aug. 6 when his car hit a pole. After the accident, a cross with golden roses was spray-painted in the street at the crash site.

Stewart's father, Douglas Stewart, said it was a memorial to his son. The city said it was graffiti.

Four days later, police cited Douglas Stewart and Stewart's nephew, Michael Bails, with painting graffiti on the street. The case is pending.

Streets Commissioner Don Thomas said the city allowed the memorial to stand untouched for week. "We just can't let people deface public property," Thomas said.

Stewart said the city acted too fast in cleaning up the tribute. He also said the city had to prove he painted it.

Stewart, an artist, painted his son's face on his trailer and Thursday drove it to the accident site. "It gives me a little peace," Stewart said.