Graffiti artist Shepard Fairey accused of tagging Detroit buildings expected

The DPD are instead in talks with Fairey as to when he will return to the city and face the charges. Fairey was offered to create commissioned pieces throughout the city during that time, even completing his largest mural to date on One Campus Martius for Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock Real Estate Services. John T. Greilick/ Detroit News Work by Shepard Fairey on the side of a vacant building in Detroit.

Fairey appeared in court Tuesday via video from a police lockup.

Jason LaVeris-FilmMagic/Getty Images Shepard Fairey attends the 2015 MOCA Gala at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA on May 30, 2015 in Los Angeles.

The street artist was wanted on two counts of malicious destruction of property, but Detroit police declined to extradite him.

“Our warrant was evidently discovered as he went through customs, and he was placed under arrest”, Baker said in a statement.

The California street artist who created the memorable Obama “HOPE” campaign poster has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing 14 buildings and walls in Detroit.

Shepard Fairey, 45, was charged by Wayne County prosecutors last month with malicious destruction of property over $1,000 and less than $20,000.

Matt Eaton, a Detroit museum owner who is now showing an exhibition of Fairey’s work, tells the Free Press that the city is being hypocritical.

But graffiti similar to Fairey’s style also was found on other structures, including a water tower, buildings and freeway underpasses. He claims Detroit hasn’t pursued charges against other street artists. Fairey is the most high-profile of their cases, and he could face up to five years in prison is convicted.

“If it’s a violent crime, yes, we’re going to pick up”, Donakowski said Monday.