Man Paints Face Black in Failed Bid to Avoid Police

Jose Espinoza, 23, found a unique–albeit unsuccessful–way to hide from police when they arrived at his house: he spray-painted his face black, paving the way for what may be the worst mugshot in the history of the Central Valley.

Corp. Josiah Arnold of the Madera police said police found a stolen car close to an apartment complex, which made them suspicious, according to Fox6 and CNN. When police came to Espinoza’s house Saturday, he had disappeared, but when he returned later that night spray-painted black, they nabbed him.

A police spokesman said simply that Espinoza’s “camouflage was ineffective,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Espinoza has been charged with possession of stolen property and theft of a vehicle. Police found a spray paint bottle that he may have used for the “camouflage.” Espinoza presently resides in the Madera County Jail.