Graffiti vandalism mars downtown Lawton cityscape

With a can of red spray paint, vandals made a mark over the weekend in downtown Lawton that mars the cityscape.

The Clint Eastwood “Spaghetti Western” mural on the alley side of Honest Harry’s Pawn Shop, 401 SW 11th, was marred with sloppy red script over the mouth area of the iconic actor.

Justin Lopez, manager of the shop said it was the first time the art that adorns the building has been struck by vandals. He was in shock it was attacked during a night.

“It’s disappointing,” he said. “There’s a big light pole shining light on it.”

The shop has security cameras keeping watch over the entirety of the building, except for in the alley. That’s going to change, Lopez said. He said he’s already called the artists for an estimate on what needs to be done to bring the image back to its glory.

Darry and Terry Shaw painted the image several years ago. It’s a favorite among the several dozen public artworks they’ve created throughout Lawton. The vandalism is a first, according to Terry.

“Never,” he replied when asked if this has happened before. “I’m not happy about it.”

The brothers drove by to get a look at the damage Monday, Terry said. The painting will be restored, he said.

“They couldn’t have put it in a worse place,” he said. “We’re going to try to figure it out.”

Terry said it’s still cheaper and better quality to have the brothers restore the work than to use the anti-graffiti top coat that yellows with sunlight and time.

This isn’t the only place marked by a spray paint aficionado this past weekend. Red spray paint with a similar scripting adorns the north walls of the First Baptist Church Annex between Southwest 5th and 6th Streets. Other properties in the vicinity bear marks, as well. One signature on the church wall simply reads “Anne Frank.”

A spokesperson for the Lawton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division said the case had just been assigned to a detective Tuesday morning.

Members of the public are asked to call the police department, 580-581-3270, if they see someone in the act of vandalism or if they have knowledge about who committed these offenses.