Police: Probe into vandalized Lombardo sign initiated by officers, not campaign

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the vandalism of a large banner promoting Gov. Joe Lombardo’s re‑election campaign located on the 215 Beltway in the southwest valley. Officers launched the probe after spotting the defaced sign near Flamingo Road, acting without any request or input from a political campaign, Metro said Thursday. “Campaign signs are routinely defaced,” a connection said. “(Metro) has investigated vandalism successful the past erstwhile it is evident that the outgo of the harm is significant.” The banner, paid for by the Lombardo campaign, originally displayed a smiling likeness of the governor and his name in large lettering. Vandals added an old‑timey mustache to the image and placed the phrase “C’mon Man” beside it, a reference to body‑camera footage from a May traffic stop that surfaced the previous week. In that encounter, Lombardo interrupted the sergeant who had pulled him over, declaring “I’m Joe Lombardo,” and later said “Come on, man,” while the officer explained a suspected low‑level violation. The sergeant opted not to issue a citation. News coverage of the stop prompted Democratic accusations that Lombardo used his influence to avoid a ticket. Lombardo’s campaign has vehemently denied seeking preferential treatment, defended the officer’s actions and praised his professionalism, noting that Metro officers frequently exercise discretion. Current Sheriff Kevin McMahill told the Review‑Journal that he was comfortable with the officer’s conduct, adding that the sergeant applied discretion as many others routinely do. McMahill also said Metro officers have conducted about 210,000 traffic stops this year, issuing citations roughly 140,000 times. “Political candidates tin study vandalism and (Metro) volition investigate,” constabulary said. “This probe was initiated by patrol officers, not by members of a governmental campaign.” Lombardo’s campaign declined to comment on the vandalized banner but emphasized that it had no connection to the investigation. Metro officers first reported the defaced banner on July 7, triggering an investigative follow‑up in which a crime‑scene researcher used a ladder to collect evidence. On Saturday a sergeant observed that the sign had been vandalized again, prompting a second service request. “(A Metro) Crime Scene Investigator was dispatched to process the scene,” constabulary said. “This clip they needed a taller ladder to