WATERVILLE — Police arrested what one officer described as a “socially conscious vandal” early Monday while they were chasing a suspected burglar from another, unrelated case.

Jared A. Burst, 19, showing a Fairfield address, was charged with criminal mischief for allegedly spray painting an abutment of the bridge by the old Harris Bakery, police said Monday.

The spray-painted message was “povrty,” Deputy Police Chief Charles Rumsey said.

Meanwhile a juvenile was charged with burglary at the Whatchamacallit Shop on Chaplain Street after a foot chase with police.