OG Graffiti Writer RD 357, a City Employee, is Busted

Photo: Fresh Paint

Graffiti writer RD 357, identified as an employee of New York City, was busted by authorities last week after tagging his name more than 80 times on the Upper East Side over the last couple years.

The 49-year-old writer works for the Department of Health, but apparently moonlights as RD 357. Upon his arrest last Wednesday, he was charged with 77 counts of making graffiti, criminal mischief, and possession of graffiti instruments (i.e. a paint pen). The collar concluded a six-month investigation to track him down. Dyer, a member of the “357 Crew,” was convicted twice since 1982 for graffiti activity.

According to DNAinfo, his next court date is September 20.

It cost the city about $100 to clean up 67 of the locations he tagged, according to court and about $200 to clean 10 others, court papers said.

Dyer, who works as a laboratory associate and earns a base salary of $46,460, was charged with 77 counts of making graffiti, criminal mischief and possession of graffiti instruments.

He was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and released without bail.

And additional context from @149st:

The 357 CREW was formed in 1985 and was active on the subways during the mid to late 1980s. The IRT 6 local and BMT B line were 357 favorites. Their names were prevalent on the streets midtown Manhattan. RD 357 was a particularly active member in addition to hitting subways and streets his name could be found in obscure areas such as the Metro North commuter train tunnels beneath Grand Central Station and along piers on the East River. The 357 continues to be active on streets of New York. Early Crew membership included RD, LACE 357, DE3 357 KK, and JJ 357. Presently newer members like JUST 357 accompany RD to bomb the streets of New York City. The works of SERE 357 can be found on the streets of New York City as well as freight trains.